This is a major victory for conservation in Madagascar! According to the most recent assessments published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) last March, two rare species from our unique biodiversity have just been reclassified on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These are Calumma tarzan, a chameleon endemic to Madagascar, and Phelsuma pronki, a colorful gecko.
These species are now classified as “Endangered”, whereas they were previously listed as “Critically Endangered”, marking a significant step forward in their protection.
The IUCN is a global organization that evaluates the risk of extinction faced by species. Being “downlisted” means the situation of these animals has improved thanks to effective conservation efforts.
This success reflects Madagasikara Voakajy’s mission to reverse the decline of threatened species in their natural habitats, in close collaboration with local communities. Madagasikara Voakajy has been working hand in hand with local communities to protect these species in the wild. Calumma tarzan, for example, was first discovered in 2010 in a small patch of humid forest in the district of Anosibe An’Ala. Its habitat was seriously threatened by deforestation and slash-and-burn agriculture. Thanks to extensive research and on-the-ground action, this species is now known to exist in over 14 different forest sites. This achievement is a direct result of both scientific work and local collaboration.
But the organization's mission doesn’t end here. The next challenge is to maintain and restore the habitats of these species so that, one day, they can be listed as merely “Vulnerable” a lower-risk category.
This success highlights how vital scientific research is to guide conservation actions. And it is together scientists, communities, and partners that Madagasikara Voakajy will continue advancing the protection of Madagascar’s unique biodiversity.
