A warm welcome to the MCD Journal

Madagascar is considered as one of world’s highest priority in biodiversity conservation. This is linked not only with the high degree of diversity and endemism but also the ongoing threats of the natural communities. However, efforts have been underway at different levels in Madagascar with the new vision Madagascar Naturally and the proposed five year plan Madagascar Action Plan (MAP), to protect and valorise the unique and rich biological diversity, in collaboration with all stakeholders, including the International communities.The new Protected Areas System of Madagascar represent an important benchmark in an overall plan for conservation and sustainable development, first unveiled by Excellency President Marc Ravalomanana at the World Parks Congress in Durban, South Africa in 2003. The President committed to increase the total size of protected areas to 10 % of the country’s territory, from 1.7 million hectares to 6 million hectares, in a five-year period to ensure the conservation of these unique biodiversity. One of the key aims of the new Protected Areas System of Madagascar is to strengthen the integration of Conservation and Development for sustainable management of resources. In addition, the involvement and empowerment of stakeholders, including local communities, traditional leaders, private sectors, government or non government organizations, play an important role in this new system of protected areas. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests, has targeted about one million hectares of protected areas to be classified each year, to reach this objective of six millions hectares over five years. The first one million hectares of this system of protected areas has been classified in 2005, and the classification of the next one million hectares for 2006 is going to the right direction. In addition to the declaration of the President of Madagascar in Durban, recently during the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York in September 2005, the President of Madagascar has also announced to allocate 8 % of the cancelled external debt of Madagascar, to support biodiversity conservation and environmental management, for sustainable financing of all efforts in MadagascarConserving the natural communities is critical not only to biodiversity, but also to the people who rely on the resources for their livelihoods. Conservation does not mean full protection, and exclude human being. We all need to understand that conservation includes sustainable management, protection and preservation. The importance of zoning would play an important role in this undertaking. One would need to consider a zoned area that could be harvested with control, another one for ecotourism, another zone for protection and so on. To live in a safe and healthy environment does not only mean protecting species in their natural habitat, but also enhancing the life quality of each citizen. Therefore it is very important that we all work together to achieve this goal and that conservation efforts go hand in hand with development.I welcome this new journal MADAGASCAR CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT as it deals largely and exclusively with Conservation and/or Development in Madagascar. Biodiversity Conservation would not go alone without Development and vice versa. I encourage Malagasy researchers, students, decision makers to contribute to this journal as this new journal aims to provide a forum for exchange of information and experiences, about all aspects of conservation and development work in Madagascar. It will also play an important role as an early warning for interested people to threats to nature and culture as they arise. Therefore, this new journal arrives at the right time, as it will provide a kit for both, conservation and development practitioners in Madagascar. I wish a long life to the MADAGASCAR CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT new journal, and warm congratulations to its Editorial Board. Sincerely Yours,Joelisoa Ratsirarson, Ph.D

Molecular Adaptation to Folivory and the Conservation Implications for Madagascar’s Lemurs

The lemurs of Madagascar include numerous species characterized by folivory across several families. Many extant lemuriform folivores exist in sympatry in Madagascar’s remaining forests. These species avoid feeding competition by adopting different dietary strategies within folivory, reflected in behavioral, morphological, and microbiota diversity across species. These conditions make lemurs an ideal study system for understanding adaptation to leaf-eating. Most folivorous lemurs are also highly endangered. The significance of folivory for conservation outlook is complex. Though generalist folivores may be relatively well equipped to survive habitat disturbance, specialist folivores occupying narrow dietary niches may be less resilient. Characterizing the genetic bases of adaptation to folivory across species and lineages can provide insights into their differential physiology and potential to resist habitat change. We recently reported accelerated genetic change in RNASE1, a gene encoding an enzyme (RNase 1) involved in molecular adaptation in mammalian folivores, including various monkeys and sifakas (genus Propithecus; family Indriidae). Here, we sought to assess whether other lemurs, including phylogenetically and ecologically diverse folivores, might show parallel adaptive change in RNASE1 that could underlie a capacity for efficient folivory. We characterized RNASE1in 21 lemur species representing all five families and members of the three extant folivorous lineages: (1) bamboo lemurs (family Lemuridae), (2) sportive lemurs (family Lepilemuridae), and (3) indriids (family Indriidae). We found pervasive sequence change in RNASE1 across all indriids, a dN/dS value \u3e 3 in this clade, and evidence for shared change in isoelectric point, indicating altered enzymatic function. Sportive and bamboo lemurs, in contrast, showed more modest sequence change. The greater change in indriids may reflect a shared strategy emphasizing complex gut morphology and microbiota to facilitate folivory. This case study illustrates how genetic analysis may reveal differences in functional traits that could influence species’ ecology and, in turn, their resilience to habitat change. Moreover, our results support the body of work demonstrating that not all primate folivores are built the same and reiterate the need to avoid generalizations about dietary guild in considering conservation outlook, particularly in lemurs where such diversity in folivory has probably led to extensive specialization via niche partitioning

Effect of competition on growth rates of white pine saplings.

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/54030/1/2465.pdfDescription of 2465.pdf : Access restricted to on-site users at the U-M Biological Station

Transpiration rates of eastern white pine saplings under two different canopies.

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/54029/1/2464.pdfDescription of 2464.pdf : Access restricted to on-site users at the U-M Biological Station

The antiquity of Madagascar's grasslands and the rise of C 4 grassy biomes

ABSTRACT Aim Grasslands and savannas, which make up > 75% of Madagascar's land area, have long been viewed as anthropogenically derived after people settled on the island c. 2 ka. We investigated this hypothesis and an alternative -that the grasslands are an insular example of the post-Miocene spread of C 4 grassy biomes world-wide. Location Madagascar, southern Africa, East Africa. Methods We compared the number of C 4 grass genera in Madagascar with that in southern and south-central African floras. If the grasslands are recent we would expect to find fewer species and genera in Madagascar relative to Africa and for these species and genera to have very wide distribution ranges in Madagascar. Secondly, we searched Madagascan floras for the presence of endemic plant species or genera restricted to grasslands. We also searched for evidence of a grassland specialist fauna with species endemic to Madagascar. Plant and animal species endemic to C 4 grassy biomes would not be expected if these are of recent origin

Classification hiérarchique des zones boisées d’altitudes de l’île d’Anjouan, Comores

Avant la colonisation humaine de l’archipel des Comores, l’île d’Anjouan était couverte de forêt. Aujourd’hui, seuls quelques vestiges de forêts primaires subsistent sur des pentes escarpées et inaccessibles. Sous les pressions humaines, la perte des forêts au profit des zones agricoles continuait d’une façon exponentielle. La présente étude a examiné la végétation de l’île pour déterminer les types d’habitats qu’on pouvait trouver à Anjouan. En 2010, nous avons collecté des données liées aux arbres, à l’exploitation agricole et à l’altitude pour partitionner la couverture végétale en différentes classes. Nous avons utilisé l’Analyse en composante principale (ACP) et la Classification ascendante hiérarchique (CAH). Six classes d’habitats ont été identifiées : la classe des plantations des zones ouvertes de haute altitude, la classe des plantations des zones moins boisées, la classe de l’agroforêt dense de moyenne altitude, la classe de la forêt sévèrement dégradée et sous-plantée, la classe de forêt dégradée, et la classe de forêt dense humide. Les quatre premières sont associées aux activités agricoles. Des différences significatives entre les classes ont été observées pour les densités des arbres (natifs ou non-natifs), la diversité des espèces et les niveaux d’exploitations agricoles. La densité des arbres augmentait avec l’altitude, tandis que la diversité en espèces était liée à la classe de la couverture végétale. Les types d’exploitation agricole étaient liés à la classe d’habitat et à la localisation dans l’altitude. Cette étude sera utilisée pour la planification de la gestion des zones agroforestières et la mise en place des actions de conservation pour les habitats forestiers.The second largest island of the Comoros archipelago, Anjouan, was covered by forest before human colonization, whereas today only a few forest fragments remain on steep and inaccessible slopes. Under human pressure, the loss of forests to make place for agricultural areas continues. The present study investigated the vegetation of Anjouan to determine which habitat types can be found on the island. In 2010, we collected data on vegetation composition using a plot-based methodology. Two types of analyses were used to partition the habitat into different classes : principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Six habitat classes were identified : plantations in high altitude open areas, plantations in less wooded areas, low altitude agroforestry, severely degraded and under-planted forest, degraded forest and dense natural forest. The first four classes were associated with agricultural activities in varying intensities. Significant differences between habitat classes were distinguished by Kruskal-Wallis tests for tree densities (native and non-native), species diversification, and level of agricultural exploitation. The findings show that the vegetation cover in Anjouan is marked by human exploitation, which requires monitoring to avoid over-exploitation of the last remaining natural forests on the island. The results of this study will be used for the agroforestry management planning and the implementation of conservation actions for forest habitats on the island

In-country practitioner insights from Madagascar to inform more effective international conservation funding

Bending the curve on biodiversity loss will require increased conservation funding and a wiser resource allocation. Local conservation practitioner expertise will be vital in decision-making processes related to funding. Yet, the integration of their insights into funder priorities and strategies is often insufficient, particularly in countries where international funding comprises the bulk of support for conservation. More generally, the role of funding remains under-analyzed in conservation and opportunities for funder-practitioner dialogue at a broad strategic level are limited. We seek to address these critical gaps by presenting results from a participatory workshop of conservation practitioners in Madagascar, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Five major areas of need emerged, and these challenges need to be addressed if we are to see long-term solutions to the biodiversity crisis: (1) strengthen law and policy implementation; (2) ensure sustainability of funding; (3) improve coherence and coordination within and beyond the conservation sector; (4) support self-strengthening of local communities; and (5) invest in capacity development. This article elaborates on these thematic areas and their implications for international donors in Madagascar and beyond. Our approach demonstrates a way for amplifying in-country practitioner voices in a collaborative way and highlights the need for their inclusion at all stages of conservation program development so that funding priorities better reflect local needs and aspirations while enhancing prospects for enduring conservation outcomes. RésuméPour infléchir la courbe de la perte de biodiversité il est nécessaire d’augmenter le financement pour la conservation et d’assurer une allocation plus stratégique des ressources. L'expertise des praticiens de la conservation locaux sera vitale dans les processus décisionnels liés au financement. Toutefois, l'intégration de leurs connaissances dans les priorités et les stratégies des bailleurs de fonds est souvent insuffisante, en particulier dans les pays où le financement international représente la majeure partie du soutien à la conservation. Plus généralement, le rôle du financement reste sous-analysé dans le domaine de la conservation et les possibilités de dialogue entre bailleurs de fonds et praticiens à un niveau stratégique général sont limitées. Nous cherchons à combler ces lacunes essentielles en présentant les résultats d'un atelier participatif des praticiens de la conservation à Madagascar, l'un des points chauds de la biodiversité mondiale. Cinq grands domaines de besoins ont émergé et ces défis doivent être relevés si nous voulons voir des solutions à long terme à la crise de la biodiversité : (1) renforcer la mise en œuvre des lois et des politiques ; (2) assurer la durabilité du financement ; (3) améliorer la cohérence et la coordination ; (4) soutenir l'auto-renforcement des communautés locales ; et (5) investir dans le développement des capacités. Cet article développe ces domaines thématiques et leurs implications pour les bailleurs de fonds internationaux à Madagascar et au-delà. Les défis persistants identifiés sont par exemple le rôle de l'État et sa faible capacité à faire respecter la loi, la difficulté à trouver des financements pour les coûts opérationnels et la gestion de base, ainsi que les lourdes exigences en matière de rapports, et les capacités et ressources nécessaires à cet effet. La communauté des bailleurs devrait reconnaître que les solutions profitables pour les deux parties sont rares à court terme, et démontrer une plus grande volonté d'accepter et de discuter d’un échec comme un moyen d'avancer au lieu de le stigmatiser. Une plus grande coordination au sein et entre les différents groupes et secteurs est nécessaire pour éviter que les efforts ne soient dupliqués, que les lacunes restent non comblées ou que les échecs de mise en œuvre ne se répètent. En raison d'une mauvaise conduite, ou par crainte de celle-ci, de nombreux donateurs semblent avoir évité de travailler avec des acteurs étatiques, favorisant plutôt les ONG internationales de conservation. Cette approche n'est cependant qu'une solution à court terme, car elle ne contribue qu’à renforcer faiblement la capacité nationale à aborder et à surmonter la corruption dans le secteur de la conservation. Pour aller de l'avant, il est essentiel de donner une voix plus forte à ceux qui connaissent le mieux le contexte spécifique et la mémoire institutionnelle des projets précédents. Le processus de réflexion et d'interaction dans l'atelier a permis de dégager des perceptives concrètes pour Madagascar, mais pertinentes pour les autres pays tropicaux où le financement international prédomine dans le domaine de la conservation. Cette approche démontre une manière d’amplifier les voix des praticiens nationaux de manière collaborative et souligne la nécessité de les inclure dans toutes les étapes du développement des programmes de conservation afin que les priorités de financement reflètent mieux les besoins et les aspirations locaux tout en améliorant les perspectives de résultats durables de la conservation. 

Insights from Practitoners in Madagascar to Inform More Effective International Conservation Funding

Bending the curve on biodiversity loss will require increased conservation funding and a wiser resource allocation. Local conservation practitioner expertise will be vital in decision-making processes related to funding. Yet, the integration of their insights into funder priorities and strategies is often insufficient, particularly in countries where international funding comprises the bulk of support for conservation. More generally, the role of funding remains under-analyzed in conservation and opportunities for funder-practitioner dialogue at a broad strategic level are limited. We seek to address these critical gaps by presenting results from a participatory workshop of conservation practitioners in Madagascar, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Five major areas of need emerged, and these challenges need to be addressed if we are to see long-term solutions to the biodiversity crisis: (1) strengthen law and policy implementation; (2) ensure sustainability of funding; (3) improve coherence and coordination within and beyond the conservation sector; (4) support self-strengthening of local communities; and (5) invest in capacity development. This article elaborates on these thematic areas and their implications for international donors in Madagascar and beyond. Our approach demonstrates a way for amplifying in-country practitioner voices in a collaborative way and highlights the need for their inclusion at all stages of conservation program development so that funding priorities better reflect local needs and aspirations while enhancing prospects for enduring conservation outcomes