Deforestation in Madagascar

Question 1

What was the extent of tropical forest in Madagascar before 1950, and how much of it remained by 1985?

Answer 1

Before 1950, Madagascar had 11.6 million hectares of tropical forest, but by 1985, this had reduced to 3.8 million hectares.

Question 2

What is Madagascar known as the world’s primary supplier of, and how is it used?

Answer 2

Madagascar is known as the world’s primary supplier of vanilla pods, which are used in ice cream production.

Question 3

What environmental issue does the Coalition Lampogno highlight regarding the trafficking of rosewood?

Answer 3

The Coalition Lampogno highlights that rosewood is trafficked through the Marontsetra port with the connivance of local businesspeople and politicians.

Question 4

What is significant about rosewood in Madagascar, and what interception incident occurred in 2014?

Answer 4

Rosewood is the most trafficked wildlife commodity in Madagascar. In 2014, a single shipment of 30,000 logs was intercepted in Singapore en route from Madagascar.

Question 5

What percentage of Madagascar’s forest has been lost since the 1950s, and what is the total loss?

Answer 5

Since the 1950s, 40% of Madagascar’s forest has been lost, totaling a loss of 90%.

Question 6

What unique biodiversity does Madagascar possess?

Answer 6

Madagascar is double the size of Britain and has over 100 species of lemurs.

Question 7

How does Madagascar’s population growth compare from 1960 to 2022?

Answer 7

Its population increased from 5.10 million to 29.61 million people from 1960 to 2022, showing a growth of 480.7% in 62 years.

Question 8

What factors contribute to Madagascar’s vulnerability to deforestation?

Answer 8

Madagascar is vulnerable due to a lack of other resources, expanding population, and no support from the government or international community.