Tropicultura (Jan 2015)
Le Parc National Sahamalaza - Iles Radama serait-il l'ultime refuge pour certaines espèces de lémuriens du nord-ouest de Madagascar?
Abstract
The Sahamalaza National Park - Radama Island may be the last Shelter for some Species of Lemurs of North-west Madagascar?. Most of the plant and animal species found in Madagascar have evolved in long isolation over the millennia. The level of endemism is very high and the island is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots on the planet. But Madagascar is also one of the world's most heavily impacted countries in terms of habitat destruction; 90% of the original vegetation has already been lost. The endemic primates of the island, the lemurs, are particularly affected by continuous deforestation and forest fragmentation. The island is considered by many international organizations as a priority for nature conservation. The first protected area was created in Madagascar in 1927 and the island has now a total of 47 protected areas. This paper recalls the history and the current status of the Sahamalaza – Radama islands National Park, located in northwest Madagascar. We focus particularly on two emblematic species of lemurians for the park; Eulemur flavifrons and Lepilemur sahamalazensis, as well as on the existing threats on the ecosystems. Several measures have been proposed in the Conservation Action Plan in order to improve the management of the park and long term survival of the species.
