News from the Field

• Restoring baobab populations in Madagascar

  Six of the nine species of baobabs in the world are endemic to Madagascar. Three of them are Endangered according to the IUCN Red List: Grandidier's baobab (Adansonia grandidieri), Perrier's baobab (A. perrieri) and the Diego baobab (A. suarezensis). The first is only found in the western part of Madagascar while the latter two are endemic to the northern tip of the country. Together, they are threatened by low recruitment in the wild. To mitigate this threat, we initiated a program to restore the baobab population in western and northern Madagascar.

   

• A conservation strategy for the Antanosy gecko

  The Antanosy gecko, Phelsuma antanosy, is Critically Endangered species in the IUCN Red List. It is only found in the Anosy Region, in southeastern Madagascar, particularly around the QMM mining area. A workshop aiming to develop a Conservation Strategy for this species was organized on 13-15th June 2012 at the Hotel Marina, Fort-Dauphin.

  The vision for the conservation of the species, defined at the workshop was: "The conservation and sustainable use of the Antanosy gecko and its habitats by all stakeholders enhance the development of Anosy Region". Three goals, nine specific objectives and 90 actions were defined. The Strategy document will be available in November 2012.

  The workshop has seen the participation of local communities, local and regional authorities, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and conservation organizations working in the Region. We are grateful to all participants and funders: Fauna and Flora International and Qit Minerals Madagascar.

   

  
  

• What conservation action for the Diego Baobab?

  The Diego Baobab, Adansonia suarezensis, is Critically Endangered on the IUCN RedList. The population in Diego do not think conservation efforts are required for this species. What should be done?