Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity: Threats and opportunities
Authors: Ralimanana Hélène , Perrigo Allison L. , Smith Rhian J. , Borrell James S. , Faurby Søren , Rajaonah Mamy Tiana , Randriamboavonjy Tianjanahary , Vorontsova Maria S. , Cooke Robert S. C. , Phelps Leanne N. , Sayol Ferran , Andela Niels , Andermann Tobias , Andriamanohera Andotiana M. , Andriambololonera Sylvie , Bachman Steven P. , Bacon Christine D. , Baker William J. , Belluardo Francesco , Birkinshaw Chris , Cable Stuart , Canales Nataly A. , Carrillo Juan D. , Clegg Rosie , Clubbe Colin , Crottini Angelica , Damasco Gabriel , Dhanda Sonia , Edler Daniel , Farooq Harith , de Lima Ferreira Paola , Fisher Brian L. , Forest Félix , Gardiner Lauren M. , Goodman Steven M. , Grace Olwen M. , Guedes Thaís B. , Hackel Jan , Henniges Marie C. , Hill Rowena , Lehmann Caroline E. R. , Lowry Porter P. , Marline Lovanomenjanahary , Matos-Maraví Pável , Moat Justin , Neves Beatriz , Nogueira Matheus G. C. , Onstein Renske E. , Papadopulos Alexander S. T. , Perez-Escobar Oscar A. , Phillipson Peter B. , Pironon Samuel , Przelomska Natalia A. S. , Rabarimanarivo Marina , Rabehevitra David , Raharimampionona Jeannie , Rajaonary Fano , Rajaovelona Landy R. , Rakotoarinivo Mijoro , Rakotoarisoa Amédée A. , Rakotoarisoa Solofo E. , Rakotomalala Herizo N. , Rakotonasolo Franck , Ralaiveloarisoa Berthe A. , Ramirez-Herranz Myriam , Randriamamonjy Jean Emmanuel N. , Randrianasolo Vonona , Rasolohery Andriambolantsoa , Ratsifandrihamanana Anitry N. , Ravololomanana Noro , Razafiniary Velosoa , Razanajatovo Henintsoa , Razanatsoa Estelle , Rivers Malin , Silvestro Daniele , Testo Weston , Torres Jiménez Maria F. , Walker Kim , Walker Barnaby E. , Wilkin Paul , Williams Jenny , Ziegler Thomas , Zizka Alexander , Antonelli Alexandre 
Published: December 2022

Madagascar’s unique biota is heavily affected by human activity and is under intense threat. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the conservation status of Madagascar’s terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity by presenting data and analyses on documented and predicted species-level conservation statuses, the most prevalent and relevant threats, ex situ collections and programs, and the coverage and comprehensiveness of protected areas. The existing terrestrial protected area network in Madagascar covers 10.4% of its land area and includes at least part of the range of the majority of described native species of vertebrates with known distributions (97.1% of freshwater fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals combined) and plants (67.7%). The overall figures are higher for threatened species (97.7% of threatened vertebrates and 79.6% of threatened plants occurring within at least one protected area). International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessments and Bayesian neural network analyses for plants identify overexploitation of biological resources and unsustainable agriculture as the most prominent threats to biodiversity. We highlight five opportunities for action at multiple levels to ensure that conservation and ecological restoration objectives, programs, and activities take account of complex underlying and interacting factors and produce tangible benefits for the biodiversity and people of Madagascar.