Madagascar's Ancient Baobab Forests Are Being Restored By Communities

Six of the world's eight baobab species are indigenous to Madagascar , where the distinctive trees with giant trunks have historically grown in huge forests. But these forests are threatened by slash-and-burn agriculture -. Baobab trees can live for 1,000 years and one hectare of land can support eight fully grown baobab trees. But many have been- standing alone in barren areas with no contact with the wild animals that spread their seeds, helping the baobabs to reproduce.since 2009.

Another significant problem for the baobab forests is the loss of large-bodied animals such as giant lemurs or giant tortoises. These animals played a crucial role inof baobab trees in their dung. But they became extinct about 500 years ago. Without these animals, baobab seeds are not spread as effectively.. Increased dryness and irregular weather patterns negatively affect the growth and survival of baobab trees.

We then spent two and a half years trying to see if any animals would disperse baobab seeds in their dung, helping seedlings to grow. Micro lemurs, Microcebus cannot break the baobab fruit open to release the seeds as their teeth are not strong enough. The larger lemurs, Eulemur rufifrons, can disperse baobab seeds but we found that they were no longer living in former baobab forest areas.

However, we concluded these animals would not be able to do enough to restore the baobab forests alone. People would have to help, by growing baobab seedlings and physically planting them.

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