Status and trends of biodiversity, including benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services
Madagascar is a megadiverse country with a high concentration of endemic species. Its ecosystems include many types of forests, savannah, steppes, rivers, lakes, wetlands, mangroves, drylands and reefs. Currently, these unique ecosystems are home to approximately 12,000 species of vascular plants (96% endemic), 586 species of ferns (45% endemic), 194 species of palms (97% endemic), 1000 species of orchids (85% endemic), 389 species of reptiles (90% endemic), 278 species of amphibians (100% endemic), 282 species of birds (37% endemic), 159 species of fish (66% endemic), 104 species and subspecies of lemurs (100% endemic), 60 species of non-flying small mammals (92% endemic), 43 species of bats (73% endemic) and 13 species of carnivore (77% endemic)... More »
Main pressures on and drivers of change to biodiversity (direct and indirect)
The general trend of biodiversity degradation, both for flora and fauna, is primarily caused by destructive human practices, such as the clearing of natural habitats (0.55% per year) and overexploitation of natural resources. Hunting is also a major threat to large species in Madagascar. More recently, the impact of climate change on biodiversity has become apparent, particularly in the marine and coastal environments... More »