This summer, we have deepened our commitment to protecting Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity by supporting collaborative surveillance in Tsimanampetsotse National Park. The park, nestled in southwest Madagascar, spans roughly 167 squares and features a dramatic mix of salt lakes, spiny forest, baobabs, caves, and underground rivers. It is a global biodiversity hotspot—home to flamingos, lemurs, radiated tortoises, and rare cave-dwelling wildlife—many species found nowhere else on Earth.
The park faces serious threats: local poaching of tortoises and lemurs, illegal logging for charcoal and firewood, and increasingly frequent bushfires, worsened by recent flooding and drought events that strip vegetation and make the land more fire-prone
Working alongside Madagascar National Parks (MNP)—who manages the park—and longtime local Conservation Allies partner Association Analasoa, this joint effort marks a strategic push to address growing threats to one of Madagascar’s most ecologically unique landscapes. To align efforts and improve efficiency, we all met in Marofijery earlier this year. Beginning this year, both MNP and Analasoa are being supported by Conservation Allies to carry out complementary and collaborative activities across the park.
The core outcome of the meeting was the development of a joint strategy for Conservation Brigade missions—collaborative patrols made up of representatives from MNP, Analasoa, the regional environmental authority (DREDD), law enforcement, and local traditional leaders. Conservation Brigade patrols have already demonstrated impressive results elsewhere in Madagascar. In Tsaratanana National Park—a remote rainforest that had lost 31% of its forest cover in the past decade—joint patrols between MNP rangers, and law enforcement officers, supported by Conservation Allies led to the seizure of 350 kg of illegally grown cannabis and several arrests, effectively regaining control of this critical area. The local community is relieved to have law enforcement regain control and bring safety back to the region. In central Madagascar’s Tsinjoarivo‑Ambalaomby reserve, our Conservation brigades helped intercept illegal loggers and miners, significantly reducing deforestation and sparking greater community engagement as safety returns to remote communities.
These missions will be conducted monthly from July through November, with each operation focusing on a specific threat: tortoise poaching, wildfire prevention, illegal logging, and charcoal production. Using SMART monitoring data and ground-level knowledge, our teams have already identified areas at highest risk and have begun implementing aggressive conservation strategies.
This initiative is a model of shared responsibility and local leadership—one that highlights the importance of coordination, data-informed decision-making, and community involvement in conservation. As a new member of the General Assembly of Madagascar National Parks, Conservation Allies is proud to help strengthen the infrastructure and partnerships necessary to safeguard Madagascar’s wild heritage. Built on proven models and led by locals, this is conservation with proven impact—giving local conservationists and communities the tools to defend their own home.