IUCN Report: Nearly Half of Madagascar’s Freshwater Species Threatened

A new IUCN report reveals that 43% of Madagascar’s freshwater species are threatened with extinction, with significant implications for local livelihoods. The study assessed 653 species, highlighting critical threats like habitat loss and overexploitation. Conservation efforts and research are urgently needed to address this biodiversity crisis and support sustainable fisheries in the region.

A report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reveals that 43% of Madagascar’s freshwater species are facing extinction. This alarming figure includes many endemic species that are vital to local communities. The study evaluated the conservation status of 653 species, such as freshwater fish, molluscs, crabs, and aquatic plants, indicating that the level of threat in Madagascar is approximately twice that of the overall threat across Africa.

Freshwater ecosystems are essential for providing clean water and sustaining both commercial and artisanal fisheries in Madagascar. Major threats to these ecosystems arise from habitat destruction, driven largely by unsustainable agricultural practices like slash-and-burn farming, as well as overfishing, mining activities, and the construction of dams.

Laura Máiz-Tomé, an IUCN Programme Officer, expressed concern over the decline of Madagascar’s unique freshwater biodiversity, underscoring the dependency of local Malagasy people on these species for their livelihoods. She emphasized that conservation capacity building should be prioritized to prevent further losses of these ecologically and economically critical species.

Madagascar’s diverse wetlands, which span over 300 kilometers of rivers and 2,000 square kilometers of lakes, are home to various distinctive aquatic species. Notable examples include the pink-and-orange Madagapotamon humberti crab and the Madagasikara river snail. The high endemism rate among these species highlights the urgent need for effective conservation measures, especially since deforestation has drastically reduced habitat availability.

Sylvie Andriambololonera from the Missouri Botanical Garden noted that many freshwater plant species exclusive to Madagascar are severely threatened and some had not been documented for decades. Continuous field assessments are necessary to close knowledge gaps and target conservation efforts effectively.

The study identified 23 freshwater Key Biodiversity Areas crucial for biodiversity across Madagascar. However, the report indicated that freshwater biodiversity remains significantly underrepresented in protected areas. Approximately a quarter of the assessed species are classified as Data Deficient, underscoring the need for additional research to inform conservation strategies.

This study received funding from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and received support from the Madagascar Ministry for Environment. IUCN and the Missouri Botanical Garden have begun sharing these findings with various stakeholders to foster conservation initiatives within Madagascar, emphasizing the integration of traditional ecological practices in conservation efforts.

The IUCN report highlights a crucial environmental crisis in Madagascar, where nearly half of the freshwater species are threatened with extinction. Major ecological challenges arise from unsustainable practices and habitat loss. Urgent research and conservation strategies are essential to safeguard these unique species and support local livelihoods dependent on them. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders, incorporating local cultural practices, are vital to effective conservation outcomes.

Original Source: iucn.org