Post Series: Spotlight on Biodiversity Hotspots
Madagascar is classified as a biodiversity hotspot, a status given to regions that are both highly biodiverse and under significant threat.
Madagascar meets both criteria. The island has an extraordinary number of endemic species and has experienced extensive habitat loss due to deforestation, agriculture, and human settlement.
This makes conservation efforts in Madagascar particularly urgent, as the loss of its habitats directly threatens the unique species that reside there.
Madagascar is a crucial center of biodiversity due to its unique and diverse ecosystems, which have evolved in isolation for about 88 million years since the island broke away from the Indian subcontinent.
This prolonged isolation has resulted in an extraordinary level of endemism, with approximately 90% of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
Key factors contributing to Madagascar’s importance in biodiversity include:
🇲🇬 Endemism: Many species of plants, animals, and microorganisms in Madagascar are endemic, meaning they are native to the island and cannot be found naturally anywhere else. This includes iconic species such as lemurs, the fossa (a carnivorous mammal), and the majority of its plant life.
🌍 Diverse Ecosystems: A variety of ecosystems exist in Madagascar from rainforests and dry deciduous forests to spiny thickets and mangrove swamps. Each of these ecosystems supports different communities of plants and animals, contributing to the overall biodiversity.
Interestingly, for the natural products industry, Madagascar is often referred to as an “aroma island” due to its production of a variety of aromatic plants and spices, which are highly valued both locally and internationally.
The cultivation and processing of these aromatic plants and spices are deeply rooted in the island’s culture and economy, making Madagascar an important player in the global market for these products. The combination of the island’s biodiversity, favorable growing conditions, and traditional knowledge contributes to the high quality and distinctive characteristics of its aromatic reputation.
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Madagascar: Biodiversity Hotspot
