Madagascar Mangroves
About the Area
Mangrove forests stretch almost the entire length of the western coast of Madagascar. Their productivity is ecologically and biogeographically significant, and they also provide important habitat for numerous species, some of which are a major portion of the local diet.
Local Species
The two species of mangrove - Sonneratia alba and Avicennia marina, are typical throughout the Indian Ocean, with this ecoregion being no exception. Fishes capable of surviving in the often-brackish water conditions include members of the Cichlidae and Mugilidae families.
Of particular conservation concern are endemic birds such as the rare and critically threatened Madagascar fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides) and the Madagascar heron (Ardea humbloti).
The rare Madagascar fish eagle lives around the mangroves and shallow bays that line the western coast of Madagascar.
Its numbers have declined dramatically in recent years, and today the fish eagle is one of the world's rarest birds of prey. Only about 100 breeding pairs survive, but efforts to protect the Madagascar Mangroves could help increase the population in the future.
Threats
In comparison with other areas on the island, these habitats have suffered less impact from increasing human populations. However, little has been done to protect mangroves, which are sensitive to urban development, over fishing, and introduced fish species.
Resources
The two species of mangrove - Sonneratia alba and Avicennia marina, are typical throughout the Indian Ocean, with this ecoregion being no exception. Fishes capable of surviving in the often-brackish water conditions include members of the Cichlidae and Mugilidae families.
Of particular conservation concern are endemic birds such as the rare and critically threatened Madagascar fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides) and the Madagascar heron (Ardea humbloti).
The rare Madagascar fish eagle lives around the mangroves and shallow bays that line the western coast of Madagascar.
Its numbers have declined dramatically in recent years, and today the fish eagle is one of the world's rarest birds of prey. Only about 100 breeding pairs survive, but efforts to protect the Madagascar Mangroves could help increase the population in the future.
Threats
In comparison with other areas on the island, these habitats have suffered less impact from increasing human populations. However, little has been done to protect mangroves, which are sensitive to urban development, over fishing, and introduced fish species.
Resources
Size:
N/A
Habitat type:
Mangroves
Geographic Location:
Madagascar: an island off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
Quiz Time!
Why is the Madagascar fish eagle so called?
Answer:
Simply because they eat a lot of fish!
