TROPICAL RAINFOREST - Madagascar

Question 1

Provide some background information about Madagascar.

Answer 1

• Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world.
• It lies 400km off the coast of South Eastern Africa.

Question 2

Why has the rainforest developed in Madagascar?

Answer 2

1. Temperature
   
   • 28 degrees
   • 85% humidity
2. Rainfall
   
   • 2,000-6,000mm of rainfall falls a year
   • Rainshadow effect

Question 3

Why is rainforest important?

Answer 3

1. Wildlife
   
   • 80-90% all species endemic
   • Contains all of world’s lemurs
   • Threatened with extinction - Mad. contains 8% world’s endangered mammals
2. Medicine
   
   • Madagascan rosy periwinkle treats childhood leukaemia.
   • Many undiscovered
3. Indigenous Peoples
   
   • Betisimarks (2nd largest tribe) live around rainforest
4. Soil Erosion
   
   • Madagascar nicknamed world’s erosion capital
   • Make developed statement here

Question 4

Give some info on deforestation.

Answer 4

• Large scale deforestation since 1970s.
• Only 10% original forest cover remains.

Question 5

What are the causes of deforestation?

Answer 5

1. Agriculture
   
   • 75% population reliant on subsistence farming
   • Slash and burn - called ‘tavy’, culturally encouraged
2. The Economy
   
   • 9th poorest country in world
   • Pop. growth rate 3.03%
   • The new transitional government gave permission to 13 operators to each export 25 containers of ebony and rosewood
3. Poor Management
   
   • Poorly regimented boundaries
   • Staff inadequately trained