What happened to Madagascar's forests?



Historic deforestation and extinction in Madagascar.

For decades, the prevailing narrative surrounding Madagascar’s environmental history has attributed the decline of its forests and the extinction of its megafauna to the slash-and-burn agricultural practices of the island’s first human settlers. However, emerging research presents a more complex picture, suggesting multiple interacting factors contributed to these ecological changes.

Beyond the Slash-and-Burn Narrative

Recent studies indicate that climate change, overhunting, biological invasions, and possibly hypervirulent diseases all played a role in Madagascar’s environmental transformation. Paleoecologist David Burney describes this as a “domino effect” in which human activities, combined with natural climatic fluctuations, created conditions that led to widespread extinctions.

The arrival of humans undoubtedly impacted Madagascar’s ecosystems, but questions remain about the precise mechanisms of change. Climate records suggest that severe droughts over the past 3,000 years may have contributed to habitat shifts, while the introduction of non-native species, such as rats and livestock, altered ecological dynamics. These pressures, combined with selective hunting of large animals, likely contributed to the disappearance of species such as elephant birds, giant tortoises, and at least 15 species of large lemurs.

The Myth of a Once-Forested Madagascar

One of the most persistent misconceptions is that Madagascar was entirely covered in forest before human arrival, with settlers rapidly destroying 90% of its woodlands. This statistic, widely cited for over a century, lacks scientific evidence. In reality, Madagascar’s landscapes have long included natural grasslands, as demonstrated by the presence of endemic grass species dating back millions of years.

Historical deforestation did occur, but its scale and timing remain uncertain. While colonial-era exploitation during the early 20th century certainly accelerated habitat loss, the extent of pre-colonial deforestation is not well-documented. The idea that Madagascar was an untouched paradise before human settlement oversimplifies its ecological history and overlooks the role of natural environmental shifts.

Challenging the Traditional Narrative

Anthropologist Alison Richard has critically examined the myths surrounding Madagascar’s environmental past. In her book, The Sloth Lemur’s Song, Richard argues that narratives of blame—often rooted in colonial perspectives—have distorted perceptions of the island’s ecological transformation. She highlights the need to move beyond simplistic explanations and recognize the dynamic interplay between natural and human-driven changes.

Richard points out that conservation efforts in Madagascar have historically focused on forest preservation, often at the expense of recognizing the ecological importance of grasslands. “Only one protected area in the whole country explicitly includes grasslands as a habitat type in need of protection,” she told Mongabay. “That has to change.”

Rethinking Conservation Approaches

Understanding Madagascar’s environmental history in its full complexity is essential for shaping effective conservation strategies. Moving beyond outdated narratives allows for a more inclusive approach that acknowledges the role of both natural and human factors in shaping the island’s landscapes. Recognizing the ecological significance of grasslands, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and addressing the lasting impacts of colonial conservation models are critical steps toward a more holistic and just approach to preserving Madagascar’s biodiversity.

While Madagascar is synonymous with biological richness, it is also a land marked by loss. Acknowledging the intricacies of its past can help build conservation strategies rooted in collaboration rather than blame, ensuring that the island’s ecosystems remain resilient for generations to come.



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