The long edge and small area of Ankarabolava-Agnakatrika PA in SE #Madagascar makes the forest vulnerable to many exterior threats. Hence 200ha exhausted land touching the PA being purchased and restored to native forest. The first trees planted at Easter. Tks World Land Trust

One of the star performers for forest restoration in #Madagascar is the genus Canarium - especially because it's fruits are a favourite food for lemurs. This young tree was planted just 2 years ago. MoBot Research Dept.

After a week intensive training at Analalava Forest #Madagascar , 7 candidates took exams to be certified as Assessors for The Global Biodiversity Standard (an international standard that recognises/promotes protection, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity). Tks Biodiversity Challenge Funds

Protected areas should serve more than just scientists and MBG is proud to host the marathon 'Trail d'Ibity' at the spectacular Ibity Massif #Madagascar . Well done to our team who completed the 12 km trail in record time (for us).

The field genebank adjacent to Analalava Reserve Foulpointe #Madagascar is like a mini botanical garden for the conservation of rare Malagasy trees. Useful but becoming very attractive.

A pleasure to visit Parc Ivoloina last Saturday to see
MFG's important work, including
🌱 seeing the Biodiversity Challenge Funds-supported tree nursery & planting a Palisander tree 🌳
👧👦 encouraging schoolkids to explore & protect 🇲🇬's amazing nature, &
🐒 enjoying the lemurs!

I absolutely love working on this project with Chris Birkinshaw and the amazing nursery women - Ratia, Louisette, Baosota, Norlene, Pogine, Eleonore et al.
#IWD #IWD 2024

The NGO VIHY aims to identify native Malagasy tree species to use instead of alien species for reforestation under harsh conditions in SW #Madagascar . Here a trial of 100 indivs. of 13 species – especially challenging due to trampling and browsing by goats and cows. Tks Biodiversity Challenge Funds

Research at Parc Ivoloina #Madagascar launched to help define best methods for growing native trees in difficult conditions: 50 individuals of 10 native trees planted under each of 4 treatments: +biochar, +shade, +biochar and shade, control. Thanks MFG.

At Agnalazaha forest #Madagascar barriers are essential to protect the crops of subsistence farmers from free ranging cows....but can hedges work? This section laid in August 23 but look at it now...Thanks Biodiversity Challenge Funds Chester Zoo Science

All those herding cattle over the sub-arid grasslands and thickets of southern Madagascar know this plant: Fangitsy or Dolichos fangitsa - its tubers are an excellent source of water on a hot day on the hills (and every day is hot).

Not sure what is happening here but many snakes (Dromicodryas bernieri) in the public square at Mahabo, Ebelo, southern #Madagascar .

At Analalava #Madagascar we are trying to develop a value chain for local people based on the production and sale of biodegradable nursery pots made from the bark of the troublesome alien invasive tree Melaleuca quinquenervia. Thanks Howell Conservation Fund

Surely modern graffiti can help understand the drawings of our prehistoric ancestors. In the south of Madagascar walls and here a trunk are frequently embellished with zebu cows – often with exaggerated fat-storing humps.

More success with female nursery women at Bongolava: target produce 200,000 seedlings of native trees and out-plant over 75 ha of degraded dry deciduous forest. Thanks Biodiversity Challenge Funds

Among Tandroy in S. Madagascar the distinctive tree Moringa drouhardii is commonly planted at each corner of tombs.

Impeccable nursery for native trees and fruit and spice trees managed by women's association adjacent to the Makirovana-Tsihomanaomby Protected Area #Madagascar . Thanks Biodiversity Challenge Funds + FMH Madagascar

The outcome of consultations with specialist heritage advisors: ‘The moving of the herbarium collections will have moderate negative impact on Kew’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).’ Surely, this alone is a reason to rethink the move? #SaveKewHerbarium #UNESCO #EnglishHeritage

Evaluation for certification of restorative endeavors under the Global Biodiversity Standard #Madagascar includes consideration of soil quality using Berlese Funnel, soil coring for carbon content, water infiltration and earth worm counts. Biodiversity Challenge Funds Botanic Gardens Conservation International

Some more good news from Ankafobe Forest #Madagascar . This social wasp discovered in this tiny forest by Len de Beer has just been described as a new species: Ropalidia jemmae.