Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity: Evolution, distribution, and use
Authors: Antonelli Alexandre , Smith Rhian J. , Perrigo Allison L. , Crottini Angelica , Hackel Jan , Testo Weston , Farooq Harith , Torres Jiménez Maria F. , Andela Niels , Andermann Tobias , Andriamanohera Andotiana M. , Andriambololonera Sylvie , Bachman Steven P. , Bacon Christine D. , Baker William J. , Belluardo Francesco , Birkinshaw Chris , Borrell James S. , Cable Stuart , Canales Nataly A. , Carrillo Juan D. , Clegg Rosie , Clubbe Colin , Cooke Robert S. C. , Damasco Gabriel , Dhanda Sonia , Edler Daniel , Faurby Søren , de Lima Ferreira Paola , Fisher Brian L. , Forest Félix , Gardiner Lauren M. , Goodman Steven M. , Grace Olwen M. , Guedes Thaís B. , 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. , Phelps Leanne N. , Phillipson Peter B. , Pironon Samuel , Przelomska Natalia A. S. , Rabarimanarivo Marina , Rabehevitra David , Raharimampionona Jeannie , Rajaonah Mamy Tiana , 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. , Randriamboavonjy Tianjanahary , Randrianasolo Vonona , Rasolohery Andriambolantsoa , Ratsifandrihamanana Anitry N. , Ravololomanana Noro , Razafiniary Velosoa , Razanajatovo Henintsoa , Razanatsoa Estelle , Rivers Malin , Sayol Ferran , Silvestro Daniele , Vorontsova Maria S. , Walker Kim , Walker Barnaby E. , Wilkin Paul , Williams Jenny , Ziegler Thomas , Zizka Alexander , Ralimanana Hélène 
Published: December 2022

Madagascar’s biota is hyperdiverse and includes exceptional levels of endemicity. We review the current state of knowledge on Madagascar’s past and current terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity by compiling and presenting comprehensive data on species diversity, endemism, and rates of species description and human uses, in addition to presenting an updated and simplified map of vegetation types. We report a substantial increase of records and species new to science in recent years; however, the diversity and evolution of many groups remain practically unknown (e.g., fungi and most invertebrates). Digitization efforts are increasing the resolution of species richness patterns and we highlight the crucial role of field- and collections-based research for advancing biodiversity knowledge and identifying gaps in our understanding, particularly as species richness corresponds closely to collection effort. Phylogenetic diversity patterns mirror that of species richness and endemism in most of the analyzed groups. We highlight humid forests as centers of diversity and endemism because of their role as refugia and centers of recent and rapid radiations. However, the distinct endemism of other areas, such as the grassland-woodland mosaic of the Central Highlands and the spiny forest of the southwest, is also biologically important despite lower species richness. The documented uses of Malagasy biodiversity are manifold, with much potential for the uncovering of new useful traits for food, medicine, and climate mitigation. The data presented here showcase Madagascar as a unique “living laboratory” for our understanding of evolution and the complex interactions between people and nature. The gathering and analysis of biodiversity data must continue and accelerate if we are to fully understand and safeguard this unique subset of Earth’s biodiversity.