IUCN Report Flags Threats to Freshwater Species in Madagascar
A recent IUCN study reveals that 43% of Madagascar’s freshwater species are threatened with extinction, significantly affecting local communities dependent on these resources. Major threats include habitat loss, unsustainable farming practices, and overfishing. The report emphasizes the need for conservation efforts and further research to protect Madagascar’s unique aquatic biodiversity.
According to a new study led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), approximately 43% of Madagascar’s freshwater species are currently threatened with extinction. This alarming statistic encompasses many endemic species critical to the livelihoods of local communities. The comprehensive report evaluated over 650 species, including freshwater fish, molluscs, crabs, and aquatic plants from Madagascar and surrounding Indian Ocean islands, revealing an extinction threat level significantly higher than that observed throughout Africa.
Freshwater organisms are essential not only for clean water but also support both commercial and artisanal fisheries in Madagascar. The IUCN report attributes the decline of these species to severe habitat loss and degradation caused by unsustainable agricultural practices, overfishing, mining, and dam construction. Laura Máiz-Tomé, IUCN Programme Officer and co-author of the report, expressed concern regarding the implications of this decline, emphasizing the dependency of the Malagasy populace on these vital freshwater resources.
Madagascar’s unique wetlands span over 300 kilometers of rivers and streams alongside 2,000 square kilometers of lakes, fostering a rich diversity of aquatic life. Among the notable species are the pink-and-orange Madagapotamon humberti crab and the live-bearing Madagasikara river snail. The study highlighted that more than half of the endemic fish species and 151 dragonfly species assessed are at risk of extinction.
The loss of Madagascar’s littoral forests due to agriculture and human settlement has exceeded 80%, contributing to the perilous status of species such as the Littoral Pintail dragonfly, now classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Sylvie Andriambololonera, Coordinator of the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Madagascar Research Unit, noted that many freshwater plants unique to Madagascar are also in jeopardy.
The report identified 23 freshwater Key Biodiversity Areas crucial for maintaining biodiversity across Madagascar, underscoring that freshwater biodiversity is significantly underrepresented within protected areas. William Darwall, Head of IUCN’s Freshwater Biodiversity Unit, pointed out that nearly a quarter of the species evaluated are classified as Data Deficient, indicating an urgent need for further research to support conservation efforts in this global biodiversity hotspot.
Additionally, the study received funding from The Critical Ecosystem Partnership (CEPF) and collaboration from the Madagascar Ministry of Environment. Findings have been shared with various stakeholders to inform strategies for conserving and managing freshwater resources, emphasizing the importance of respecting Malagasy cultural practices regarding the harvesting of freshwater species.
In summary, the IUCN’s recent findings underscore the alarming threat to Madagascar’s freshwater biodiversity, with nearly half of its species at risk of extinction. This situation is exacerbated by habitat degradation and unsustainable practices impacting both local ecosystems and the communities reliant on these natural resources. Urgent conservation actions and further research are essential to address these challenges and protect the unique aquatic flora and fauna of Madagascar.
Original Source: iucn.org
