Save Madagascar’s Dry Forests

Partner Snapshot

The Challenge

The Antrema Biocultural Site is a unique community protected area that was established at the request of local communities to safeguard their rich biodiversity. Of particular importance are the crowned sifakas, which the local people consider to be incarnations of their ancestors. While these remarkable primates have experienced significant population growth over the past two decades (from 500 individuals in 2000 to approximately 800 in 2020), their habitat is increasingly threatened by encroaching savannah fires.

These forest fires, often resulting from agricultural practices and climate change, are fragmenting the forest islands that serve as critical habitat for not only the sifakas but also numerous other endemic species. Without rapid intervention to reduce these fires, the long-term survival of this thriving population could be jeopardized despite their current growth trends.

Urgent Appeal

To protect the scattered forest islands that constitute habitats for many endemic animals and plants, Antrema Miray Association (AMI) has established a mixed multi-actor brigade composed of community members, forest rangers, and local police. This collaborative force works to enforce protection measures and monitor fire threats, especially during the vulnerable dry season when fire risks are highest.

AMI needs support to construct strategically located patrol stations throughout the protected area and to train and equip community patrols with the necessary tools to prevent and combat forest fires. These efforts are essential for maintaining the integrity of this biocultural landscape where both biodiversity and cultural heritage are deeply intertwined.

Why Your Donation Matters

The presence of Antrema Miray Association in the Biocultural Site of Antrema and the Katsepy peninsula is critical for protecting the crowned sifakas and preserving the entire ecosystem within their habitat. Through their work, AMI helps maintain the delicate balance between conservation needs and community development.

Donations directly support AMI's fire prevention efforts, community patrol initiatives, and the construction of crucial monitoring stations. These actions not only protect the growing sifaka population but also help preserve the cultural connection between local communities and these revered primates. By supporting AMI, donors contribute to a sustainable model of conservation where biodiversity protection and community welfare are achieved in harmony, ensuring that both the sifakas and the people who consider them sacred can thrive together for generations to come.

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