Madagascar’s unique ‘Spiny Forest’ is
fast being turned into charcoal
The
Spiny Forest has been deemed one of the world’s most important ecoregions. It
is home to many species that are endemic to Madagascar. The forest holds
strange species of lemurs, birds, and reptiles. Not to mention octopus trees
and baobabs!
An
article from The Conversation
revealed that although this forest holds amazing wildlife, it is not well known
outside of Madagascar, and it is quickly disappearing. Because it is not very
well known, there is not much being done to save it!
The
Spiny Forest is also an integral part of the lives the Malagasy people in
Southern Madagascar. The farmers and fisherman that live near the forest use it
for wood, fuel, medicine, and “bushmeat.”
There
are two main things currently threatening the forest through deforestation. One
is the rise in shift cultivation, which is also known as “slash and burn”
agriculture. The other reason is the use of hardwood trees from the Spiny Forest
to make charcoal, which is extremely necessary for the everyday lives of the
Malagasy people.
Due
to recent overfishing and overuse of areas for agriculture, people have been
forced to use the resources from the Spiny Forest, as money has been tight and
the traditional ways of living can’t keep up with the growing families.
Although
there are still growing holes in the forest, many conservationists are working with
the government to help preserve more areas and educate the public on how to
prevent further destruction of such a beautiful and important place!
Here is the link!
http://theconversation.com/madagascars-unique-spiny-forest-is-fast-being-turned-into-charcoal-58323
- Jo Langner
- Jo Langner
-
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