Madagascar is the world’s
fourth largest island, and is
recognised as one of the
world’s top ten hotspots for
biodiversity. It is estimated
that there are about 10,000
plant species on the island.
Of these, 80% or more
occur nowhere else. Man
arrived in Madagascar just
2,000 years ago and since
has cleared much of the island’s forest.
Supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund,
this atlas, in English and French, gives a history of
vegetation mapping in Madagascar, the methodology
used in compiling this atlas and detailed descriptions
of each vegetation type illustrated with photographs
and diagrams. Trends in deforestation, extent of
occurrence and levels of protection are assessed for
each vegetation type.
The atlas itself comprises 36 detailed A3 maps, all in
high resolution colour, detailing the extent of each
vegetation type, roads, trails, rivers, airports and
reserves, and a full place name index.