Search

Background Large-scale variation in ecological parameters across Madagascar is hypothesized to drive varying spatial patterns of malaria infection. However, to date, few studies of parasite prevalence with resolution at finer, sub-regional spatial scales are available. As a result, there is a poor understanding of how Madagascar’s diverse local ecologies link with variation in the distribution of infections at the community and household level. Efforts to preserve Madagascar’s ecological diversity often focus on improving livelihoods in rural communities near remaining forested areas but are limited by a lack of data on their infectious disease burden. Methods To investigate spatial variation in malaria prevalence at the sub-regional scale in Madagascar, we sampled 1476 households (7117 total individuals, all ages) from 31 rural communities divided among five ecologically distinct regions. The sampled regions range from tropical rainforest to semi-arid, spiny forest and include communities near protected areas including the Masoala, Makira, and Mikea forests. Malaria prevalence was estimated by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) cross-sectional surveys performed during malaria transmission seasons over 2013–2017. Results Indicative of localized hotspots, malaria prevalence varied more than 10-fold between nearby ( Conclusions Our data suggest that the malaria infection burden experienced by rural communities in Madagascar varies greatly at smaller spatial scales (i.e., at the community and household level) and that the southeast and west coast ecological regions warrant further attention from disease control efforts. Conservation and development efforts in these regions may benefit from consideration of the high, and variable, malaria prevalences among communities in these areas.

Seven new species of the giant pill-millipede genus Zoosphaerium Pocock, 1895 are described from Madagascar: Z. nigrum sp. nov., Z. silens sp. nov., Z. ambatovaky sp. nov., Z. beanka sp. nov., Z. voahangy sp. nov., Z. masoala sp. nov. and Z. spinopiligerum sp. nov. All species are described based on drawings and scanning electron microscopy, while genetic barcoding of the COI gene was successful for six of the seven new species. Additional COI barcode information is provided for the first time for Z. album Wesener, 2009 and Z. libidinosum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897). Zoosphaerium nigrum sp. nov. and Z. silens sp. nov. belong to the Z. libidinosum species-group, Z. ambatovaky sp. nov. to the Z. coquerelianum species-group, Z. beanka sp. nov., Z. voahangy sp. nov. and Z. masoala sp. nov. to the Z. platylabum species-group and Z. spinopiligerum sp. nov. to the Z. piligerum species-group. Updated identification keys are provided for each species-group. Two western dry forest species, Z. silens sp. nov. and Z. voahangy sp. nov. are recorded from two localities, while the other five species are currently only known from their type localities. Of special conservation concern might be Z. ambatovaky sp. nov. from the lowland rainforest fragment of Ambatovaky, a nowadays isolated lowland rainforest, rapidly shrinking due to slash and burn agriculture. In addition to the new species, new locality data is provided for 11 species and numerous unidentifiable species of Zoosphaerium: Z. neptunus (Butler, 1872), Z. platylabum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1902) and Z. piligerum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897) from the central eastern montane forests, as well as Z. ambrense Wesener, 2009, Z. aureum Wesener, 2009, Z. libidinosum, Z. corystoides Wesener, 2009, Z. discolor Wesener, 2009, Z. smaragdinum Wesener, 2009, Z. villosum Wesener & Sierwald, 2005 and Microsphaerotherium anjozorobe Wesener, 2009.

Diving beetles are generally aquatic and live submerged in water during larval and adult stages. A few groups have colonised hygropetric habitats and fewer species still can possibly be referred to as terrestrial. Here we describe six new Copelatine species that were mainly found in dry shallow forest floor depressions in the eastern and northeastern lowland humid forests of Madagascar. Three new species are described in each of the two genera Copelatus and Madaglymbus: Copelatus amphibiussp. nov., Copelatus betamponasp. nov., Copelatus zanatanensissp. nov., Madaglymbus kelimasosp. nov., Madaglymbus menalambasp. nov., and Madaglymbus semifactussp. nov. Diagnosis, description, known distribution, ecology, and conservation notes are provided for each species. All species are illustrated with a dorsal habitus image, ventral and lateral views of the male penis, and parameres. Photographs of the unusual terrestrial habitats where the species were found are provided. Madaglymbus menalambasp. nov. is also documented with macrophotos and videorecordings of the terrestrial locomotion and behaviour in the field. Although these species should not be classified as terrestrial, or even semi-terrestrial Dytiscidae, they seem to be specialists of very ephemeral aquatic habitats and stay put instead of disperse when the habitat dries up. It is hypothesised that this lifestyle and behaviour on Madagascar is restricted to the high-precipitation humid forest regions mainly in the east. It may also represent a transition step, or stepping-stone, towards becoming fully terrestrial, a step that the few known terrestrial Dytiscid taxa once passed through. It is very likely that this type of habitat is overlooked for aquatic beetles, not only in Madagascar, and the six species herein described may be just the “tip of the iceberg”.

Gautier, L. & Y. Naciri (2018). Three Critically Endangered new species of Capurodendron (Sapotaceae) from Madagascar. Candollea 73: 121–129. In English, English and French abstracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2018v731a13Three new species in the Malagasy endemic genus Capurodendron Aubrev. (Sapotaceae) are described and illustrated. Their preliminary conservation status according to the criteria of IUCN is provided. Capurodendron schatzii L. Gaut. & Naciri is a large-laeved evergreen tree from the humid forest east of the Masoala peninsula. The new species is compared with the other large-leaved species of the genus. Capurodendron sahafariense L. Gaut. & Naciri is a deciduous small-leaved tree of medium size from dry forests on sandy soils in the extreme North. It shares with Capurodendron costatum Aubrev. a 5-ridged fruit, but differs by its much smaller leaves. As it name implies, Capurodendron nanophyllum L. Gaut. & Naciri has the smallest leaves encountered in the genus. It is a shrub found near Tsihombe in the extreme south, the driest part of the island, within the range of the variable Capurodendron androyense Aubrev. The differences between the two taxa are highlighted. All three species are preliminary assessed as “Critically Endangered”.

A new species of Phyllarthron DC. (Bignoniaceae) is described from Northern Madagascar: Phyllarthron longipedunculatum Callm. & Phillipson, sp. nov. The new species is endemic to low elevation tropical evergreen forests and is known from the North of the Masoala peninsula and around the foothills of the Kalobinono and Tsaratanana massifs. The new species differs from all the other species of the genus by its petiolate articulate phyllodes reduced to a single article and the cauliflorous inflorescences gathered on a contracted raceme at the apex of a long peduncle. Line drawings are provided, along with a discussion of its morphological affinities and a preliminary risk of extinction assessment.

Ranarivelo, H. & F. Almeda (2019). A new Dichaetanthera (Melastomataceae: Melastomateae) from Masoala National Park in Madagascar. Candollea 74: 131–136. In English, English and French abstracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2019v742a2Dichaetanthera schatzii H. Ranariv. & Almeda, a new species from Masoala National Park in northeastern Madagascar, is described, illustrated, and compared with Dichaetanthera arborea Baker, its presumed closest relative. Dichaetanthera schatzii appears to be endemic to the lowland humid evergreen forest on the southwestern side of Masoala National Park in Madagascar.

Four new palm species are described in the genus Dypsis: three tree palms from the Masoala peninsula in north-eastern Madagascar (D. mijoroana sp. nov., D. ovojavavy sp. nov. and D. rabepierrei sp. nov.), and one understorey palm, D. aurantiaca sp. nov. from eastern-central Madagascar. Illustrations, a distribution map and conservation status are provided for all four species.

Madagascar is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The island's past and current rates of deforestation and habitat disturbance threaten its plethora of endemic biodiversity. On Madagascar, tavy (slash and burn agriculture), land conversion for rice cultivation, illegal hardwood logging and bushmeat hunting are the major contributors to habitat disturbance. Understanding species-specific responses to habitat disturbance across different habitat types is crucial when designing conservation strategies. We surveyed three nocturnal lemur species in four forest types of varying habitat disturbance on the Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Madagascar. We present here updated abundance and density estimates for the Endangered Avahi mooreorum and Lepilemur scottorum, and Microcebus sp. Distance sampling surveys were conducted on 11 transects, covering a total of 33 km after repeated transect walks. We collected data on tree height, bole height, diameter at breast height, canopy cover and tree density using point-quarter sampling to characterise the four forest types (primary lowland, primary littoral, selectively logged and agricultural mosaic). Median encounter rates by forest type ranged from 1 to 1.5 individuals (ind.)/km (Microcebus sp.), 0-1 ind./km (A. mooreorum) and 0-1 ind./km (L. scottorum). Species density estimates were calculated at 232.31 ind./km2 (Microcebus sp.) and 121.21 ind./km2 (A. mooreorum), while no density estimate is provided for L. scottorum due to a small sample size. Microcebus sp. was most tolerant to habitat disturbance, exhibiting no significant effect of forest type on abundance. Its small body size, omnivorous diet and generalised locomotion appear to allow it to tolerate a variety of habitat disturbance. Both A. mooreorum and L. scottorum showed significant effects of forest type on their respective abundance. This study suggests that the specialist locomotion and diet of A. mooreorum and L. scottorum make them susceptible to the effects of increasing habitat disturbance.

INTRODUCTION:Madagascar possesses a land of exceptional endemism for flora and fauna representing 90% of its whole wildlife, which can be considered as one of the highest rates in the world (Annik Schnitzler, 2015). By the splendor of its ecosystem, Madagascar was once called the Green Island. But this name is now changed into the so-called "Red Island' because of the pressure of population on the environment (Bernard Moizo, 2011). One aspect of that pressure is the illegal exploitation of precious wood, rosewood and ebony. The rosewood known under the scientific name Dalbergia of Madagascar (Dalbergia. spp), for decades has become the main target of illegal operations. This rosewood belongs to the rainforest type. Rosewood has a lot of function; among the others, it represents the place where animals like Simpona, Indri Indri and many others dwell. Therefore, it is practically important to protect and preserve it against illegal activities, especially if it is associated with World Heritage areas, namely Marojejy and Masoala National Parks (NPs).Derek S. and Porter P. Lowry II acknowledge an increase rate of illegal logging in the SAVA region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where abundant rosewood has been exploited and exported for the last decade ( Derek S. and Porter P. Lowry II, 2009). Confiscated wood has been apprehended in both protected areas of Marojejy and Masoala as suggested by various tangible evidences. (Patel, 2007). Besides, poor local people in the vicinity of the parks as well as several well-organized criminal networks have unceasingly seized on forests exploitation (Derek Schuurman and Porter P. Lowry II, 2009). It is illegal because the illegal logging is defined as the harvest, transport, sale or purchase of timber in contravention to national laws (John Innes, 2010). The Malagasy Law No. 97-017 of 8 August 1997 revising forest legislation has clearly cited in article 17 that, strict nature reserves, national parks, special reserves and protected forests in respect of international conventions as well as land and water areas defined in Article 2 are not likely to distraction (Ministry of Water and Forests, 2015) whereas the logging in question is operated inside the PAs. Environmental Investigation Agency and Global Witness has discovered the illegal harvest of rosewood is about 100 to 200 trees per day in northern Madagascar, according to the survey conducted in 2009 (Global Witness and Environmental Investigation Agency, 2009).This means that these woods are from Marojejy and Masoala, and also from the place around the sites. Thousands of trees are cut illegally, and tons of timbers are exported outside the country in the same way. According to the Ministry of Water and Forest, between 87% of the exploited forests, 60% is for the rosewood only (Brodbeck, 1999 cited in Randriamalala and Zhou). Currently, Madagascar is already suffering serious land degradation due to illegal operations inspite of the presentt laws in vigor governing the protection of forest. Since 2009, rosewood trafficking has never ceased growing. The number of exploiters increases, for instance, in 2009, operators were in total of 13, but in 2012, that number has increased from 19 to 103, or 542% (Hery F. Randriamalala, 2013). The vast majority of rosewood exploitation source, representing 98,5% of them are considered as illegal, according to Rakotondramanga, 2002, while Jerome Ballet et al. 2010, shared the same views emphasizing to an extreme but chaotic illegal exploition of such invaluble wood since the year 2009. Therefore, this present study aimed to, firstly, analyze the reason why the forestry regulation and management policies on rosewood trees are not effective and stop the problems of forest harvesting in Madagascar. Secondly, it proposes recommendations on how to protect the Protected Areas (PAs) of Marojejy and Masoala from illegal logging.MATERIALS AND METHODS:DATA COLLECTION:The data was collected in Madagascar. …

Studying seasonal hunting patterns can be critical for developing sound actions for conservation and public health. As availability of funds to implement conservation policy is limited, it is essential to focus efforts during the most critical times of year. During July 2011–June 2012 I recorded direct observations of hunting of forest mammals, and conducted daily 24-hour recall surveys (2 weeks per month over 11 months: August 2011–June 2012), and interviews of all households in a focal village on the Masoala Peninsula of Madagascar to investigate (1) what drives seasonal hunting patterns and (2) how seasonal variation in consumption of wildlife and domestic meat affects native species and people. There is marked seasonal variation in hunting of forest mammals and in the consumption of fish and domesticated livestock on the Masoala Peninsula. Hunters target bushpigs Potamochoerus larvatus and tenrec and lemur species during the austral winter (March–August), whereas more native and introduced carnivorans, fish and domesticated livestock are consumed during the austral summer (September–February). The results suggest that seasonal variation in hunting patterns is driven by the physical and behavioural characteristics of prey rather than seasonal scarcity of alternative meat. Seasonal hunting and meat consumption on the Masoala Peninsula may amplify the negative impact of hunting on native carnivorans and tenrecs (which are hunted when they are pregnant and lactating), and the positive impact of consumption of lemurs, bushpigs and tenrecs on human health. This study highlights an important aspect of hunting on the Masoala: the decision whether or not to hunt is made independently of decisions regarding when to hunt particular species.

A new species of Chapelieria was discovered during a recent field trip to the Masoala National Park in eastern Madagascar, and is described here as Chapelieria magna Kainul., sp. nov. This species is readily distinguishable from previously described species of the genus by its quadrangular shoots, triangular-calyptrate stipules, sessile leaves, pubescent styles, and ridged fruits. It also differs in the larger number of ovules and the much larger size of leaves and fruits.

Scherberich, D. & J. Duruisseau (2017). Two new species of Begonia sect. Erminea (Begoniaceae) from Nosy Mangabe in Madagascar. Candollea 72: 257–263. In English, English and French abstracts. Begonia nosymangabensis Scherber. & Duruiss. and Begonia pteridoides Scherber. & Duruiss. are described and illustrated. Both new species belong to Begonia sect. Erminea A. DC. Begonia nosymangabensis is compared to Begonia keraudreniae Bosser, from which it differs in having larger and more deeply incised leaves which lack adaxial hairs. Begonia pteridoides is related to Begonia bogneri Ziesenh. but differs by its very divided leaves. Both new species are micro-endemics, restricted to Nosy Mangabe island in northeast Madagascar and are assessed as “Vulnerable” according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Apresentamos aqui dados sobre a idade na maturidade sexual e longevidade para algumas especies de Mantellidae dos generos Boophis, Gephyromantis e Mantidactylus que habitam a floresta tropical de baixa altitude de Masoala (nordeste de Madagascar). Contagens de linhas de crescimento (LAGs) foram utilizadas para calcular a longevidade dessas especies; esses dados contribuem para avaliacoes do nivel de ameaca desses anuros. Boophis inclui especies de medio a grande porte (SVL = 30–65 mm) que atingem a maturidade sexual em 1–3 anos e vivem de 3–9 anos (i.e., longevidade media). Mantidactylus e Gephyromatis incluem especies de pequeno a grande porte (SVL = 22–107 e 35–49 mm, respectivamente) que atingem maturidade sexual em 1–3 anos e vivem de 1–8 e 3–7 anos, respectivamente

Three new species of Begonia section Erminea A.DC. from north-east Madagascar are described and illustrated. They share a tuberous habit, four tepaled male flowers and six tepaled female flowers, which are typical of that section. Begonia ambanizanensis Scherber. & Duruiss., sp. nov. differs from the other species in that section by the symmetric, sub-orbicular, succulent leaf blades. Begonia ambodiforahensis Scherber. & Duruiss., sp. nov. is compared to B. antongilensis Humbert and B. erminea L'Her. but it differs from both by the combination of an acaulescent habit and the numerous lanceolate leaves with red margins and spiculiform red hairs on the blade. Begonia harimalalae Scherber. & Duruiss., sp. nov. is also compared to B. erminea from which it differs by the thicker, larger leaves, which are glabrous, with the margins shallowly and sparsely serrate vs densely biserrate.

We conducted an analysis of deforestation and forest disturbance from 2005-2011 in Masoala National Park, the largest federal protected area in Madagascar. We found that the annual rate of forest c...

Scherberich, D. & J.Duruisseau (2016). Begonia henrilaportei Scherber. & J. Duruisseau (Begoniaceae), a new endemic species from the Masoala peninsula, Madagascar. Candollea 71 : 13–18. In English, English and French abstracts. DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2016v711a3 Begonia henrilaportei Scherber. & J. Duruisseau, new species of Begoniaceae from the Masoala peninsula, in north-east Madagascar, is described and illustrated. It is provisionally placed in section Nerviplacentaria A. DC. and compared with Begonia lyallii A. DC. with which it presents morphological affinities. It is also compared with Begonia nana L'Her. and Begonia bogneri Ziesenh. with which it has been mistaken in herbarium. A comparative table of characters is provided. The new species differs from these three species by having a caulescent habit with a creeping stem and linear-lanceolate blades with pinnate venation. The diagnostic characters, geographic distribution and a preliminary conservation assessment of the new spec...

Hughes M. 2011. — A new species of fleshy-fruited Begonia (Begoniaceae) from the Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar. Adansonia, ser. 3, 33(1): 81–85.

Recent observations of the Red Owl (Tyto soumagnei) in Madagascar demonstrated that it inhabits dry deciduous forest, and roosts on rock ledges and in cave entrances in the extreme north of the island. We observed a Red Owl at a sinkhole site in the Reserve Speciale d'Ankarana, found evidence of its use of an additional cave, and collected its pellets in three separate dry seasons between 2000 and 2003. Tsingy tufted-tailed rats (Eliurus antsingy) constituted almost 50% of the total prey mass of Red Owls at Ankarana. Their diet at Ankarana differed from that of Red Owls from Masoala in the humid northeast of Madagascar, as the Ankarana pellets contained insects, frogs, and numerous geckos. Red Owls appear to consume more native than introduced rodents and do not appear to prey upon birds or bats like other large owls on the island. Forest degradation could reduce densities of tufted-tailed rats and could be a conservation threat to this owl.

A revision of the Malagasy endemic species complex of yams (Dioscorea L.) which possesses flowers with campanulate tori is presented with keys and full descriptions. It comprises six species that were placed in Dioscorea sect. Seriflorae Burkill & H. Perrier and D. sect. Campanuliflorae Burkill & H. Perrier in the Flore de Madagascar et des Comores treatment. D. decaryana H. Perrier does not belong in the species complex. One species (D. kimiae Wilkin) is described and illustrated for the first time. It is found in light gaps in humid evergreen forest near Ambanizana on the Masoala peninsula and near Ranomafana in Fianarantsoa Prefecture. Recent collections demonstrate that D. madecassa H. Perrier and D. karatana Wilkin are conspecific, as are D. seriflora Jum. & H. Perrier and D. tanalarum H. Perrier. Three accepted species names (D. maciba Jum. & H. Perrier, D. seriflora Jum. & H. Perrier and D. tsaratananensis H. Perrier and two placed in synonymy (D. bararum H. Perrier and D. ovifotsy H. Perrier) are lectotypified. The species complex comprises one common, widespread species from deciduous Western vegetation, one widespread in humid eastern forests, and four with restricted distributions in evergreen forests of the Central Highlands and East of Madagascar. Their diversity and systematics are discussed.

For people in rural Madagascar, the growth of one's kin group and the joint processes of movement and anchorage in the land are fundamental aspects of a successful life. In this article, I examine the clash between the Malagasy ethos of growth and the canonical conservationist ethos of static equilibrium. I argue that biodiversity conservation on the Masoala peninsula leaves local people with a sense of having been defeated in the purpose of life as they understand it. I further suggest that, in the case of people of slave descent, such defeat reverses the historical process of shedding slave status. [Madagascar, Masoala, conservation, national parks, concepts of growth, slavery]

Two new species of Eugenia (Myrtaceae) are described from the Masoala Peninsula in Madagascar: Eugenia williamsiana and Eugenia ambanizanensis. Each has relatively large leaves among Malagasy taxa of the genus. Both species are presently known from only two collections, but since they occur in a well-protected area they are considered Least Concern under IUCN guidelines. Features of the inflorescence and floral morphology of E. ambanizanensis are atypical for Eugenia and are discussed in light of the putatively related genera Stereocaryum, Monimiastrum, and Plinia. A tentative key is provided for species of Eugenia from Madagascar in which some or all of the mature leaves are in excess of 15 cm in length. Based on published and unpublished DNA sequencing data, five species of Monimiastrum are transferred into Eugenia.

The island of Madagascar ranks second to the neotropics in diversity of Bignoniaceae. Tribe Coleeae (Bignoniaceae) is a monophyletic group of tropical trees endemic to Madagascar and surrounding islands. The Masoala assemblage of Coleeae, in northeastern Madagascar, utilizes four mechanisms for avoiding competition via niche specialization: (1) morphologically via characters that comprise syndromes, explaining part of the pattern in this system – although the syndrome concept is not perfect; (2) spatially via vertical stratification and potentially pollen placement; (3) temporally via phenological stagger; (4) ethologically via flowering duration and display. The 13 sympatric species of understory treelets and canopy trees did receive low flower visitor numbers. Contrary to the prevailing view of pollination systems where generalized systems predict equivalency between floral traits and pollinators, I found that different pollinators pollinated the 13 species of trees, that floral characters of different trees did not overlap in multidimensional phenotype space, and that few species of trees were visited by more than two pollinator groups. The use of multiple niches is potentially important in understanding both the origin and maintenance of tropical tree diversity.

Here we present information on the conservation status of ruffed lemurs (Varecia) north of the Bay of Antongil in northeastern Madagascar. Two contiguous protected areas were recently established that traverse this region via blocks of forest connected by narrow forest corridors: the Masoala National Park, which expands further to the east, and the Makira Protected Area, which expands further to the west and northwest. The two extant ruffed lemurs, Varecia variegata and V. rubra, overlapped in this region historically and, on rare occasions, hybridized. As such, land north of the Bay of Antongil is a critical part of the ruffed lemur's northern geographic range. Habitat surveys and interviews with local informants were carried out in this region to determine the extent of suitable habitat for Varecia populations, to assess the extent of human exploitation of this genus, and to obtain data on the western and northern range limits of V. rubra. Interviews indicated that there are populations of V. ...

Biotropica, 47 (2), ISSN:0006-3606, ISSN:1744-7429

The ecology of two species of tree-climbing crabs, Malagasya antongilensis (Rathbun, 1905) (Potamonautidae) and Labuanium gracilipes (H. Milne Edwards, 1853) (Sesarmidae), collected from container microhabitats (phytotelmata) in rainforest in the Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar, is described. This is a rare report of a tree-climbing phytotelmic sesarmid crab living in the rainforest canopy, and the first record of a species of true freshwater crab in the canopy, albeit at a relatively low height. The difficult-to-access rainforest canopy surveys were made as part of the Canopy Raft Program (Radeau des Cimes). The occurrence of crabs in water-filled plant containers in rainforest habitats is discussed.

Results of herpetological inventories carried out in the northern portion of Madagascar are outlined, with the aim of depicting the faunai composition of some sites between the forests of the Marojejy‐njanaharibe‐Sud massifs and the Masoala Peninsula, and the NW (Nosy Be, Sahamalaza Peninsula). Biogeographical affinities of this region were discussed on the basis of original and bibliographical information. In particular, the NE is peculiar in terms of biogeo‐graphic characterisation, taking into account the relationships with the eastern rainforest belt, and the distinction with the Sambirano forests. Moreover, for some groups (such as cophyline microhylids, chameleons and skinks) this area proves to be a diversity centre. The main conservation issues are presented, stressing the increase of the existing network of protected areas and the relationships between biodiversity patterns and the needs of local populations in terms of sustainable development.

Two new arboreal microhylid frogs are described from the rainforests of northeastern Madagascar. Platypelis tetra is a very small frog, reaching about 20mm SVL, and inhabits phytotelms in screw Pandanus pines. It was found in some low and mid-altitude rainforests, such as Anjanaharibe-Sud, Besariaka, Tsararano, and Masoala Peninsula. This species diverges from the other Platypelis by its small size and colouration, with a series of whitish spots on the back, of which four are more evident. Furthermore, its advertisement call is composed by a long series of discrete notes at about 3.5-4KHz of frequency, and a repetition rate of about 3.0 notes/s. The second species, Platypelis mavomavo, reaches a larger size (about 30mm SVL), and is characterized by a yellowish colouration of the ventral surface, and a dorsal surface with a network of dark spots on a beige-yellow background. It is currently known from Anjanaharibe-Sud and Ambolokopatrika, around the Andapa water-basin, but is expected to have a wider distribution.

Bedotia masoala, a new species of Malagasy rainbowfish, is described from the Ankavanana drainage on the eastern slope of the Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Madagascar. The new species is readily distinguished from congeners by a unique blotchy, mottled, or barred lateral pigmentation pattern, and further distinguished from Bedotia marojejy, the only additional Bedotia that lacks a prominent, solid, dark midlateral stripe, by a higher vertebral count, a greater number of scales in lateral series on the flanks, and by the presence of palatine and well–developed endopterygoid tooth patches. Bedotia masoala is endemic to the Ankavanana drainage, an eastward flowing basin of the Masoala Peninsula.

Madagascar’s native small mammals (Tenrecidae and Nesomyinae) are understudied. To help fill these knowledge gaps, we analyzed 1,575 detections of small mammals obtained during camera-trap surveys at 7 sites in northeastern Madagascar (2008–2011) using single-season occupancy analyses in program PRESENCE. We estimated landscape occupancy and detection probabilities of tufted-tailed rats ( Eliurus spp.), red forest rats ( Nesomys spp.), greater hedgehog tenrecs ( Setifer setosus ), and common tenrecs ( Tenrec ecaudatus ) and examined how these parameters responded to habitat characteristics, habitat degradation, and the trap success of native and exotic carnivorans. Only Nesomys showed a marked difference in mean occupancy between intact (ψ = 0.71 ± SE 0.06), intermediately degraded (ψ = 0.23 ± SE 0.05), and degraded (ψ = 0.34 ± SE 0.06) forest sites. Only Nesomys and Setifer occupancy was strongly influenced by habitat characteristics; Nesomys occupancy was positively related to distance away from forest edge (β = 1.39 ± SE 0.27) and percent rainforest cover (β = 1.89 ± SE 0.39), and Setifer occupancy negatively related to average canopy height (β = −0.52 ± SE 0.25). We found trap success of exotic carnivorans had little influence on small mammal occupancy and detection probabilities (with the exception of Eliurus ). We suggest that camera traps are a valid method for studying aspects of small mammal ecology, but caution researchers to consider characteristics of camera traps (e.g., trigger speed) to increase potential inference.

This paper explores local perceptions of internationally financed conservation and development projects in Madagascar and the success of these projects at influencing perceptions. Interviews, surveys, and focus group sessions were conducted in the peripheral zones of three Malagasy national parks: Ranomafana, Andohahela, and Masoala. Relevant questions explored community demographics, socioeconomic status, and local perceptions of the parks. The principal finding is that while a majority of people living in the peripheral zones do find conservation a valuable goal, they see it as a luxury they cannot afford. Despite their efforts and innovation, conservation and development projects have had a minimal impact on socioeconomic or associational life in the Ranomafana and Andohahela peripheral zones, and a significant but modest impact in the Masoala peripheral zone, by providing economic alternatives to destructive resource use. As a result, they are limited in their success at promoting conservation outcomes.

The breeding ecology of the Hook-billed Vanga Vanga curvirostris, which is endemic to Madagascar, was studied on the Masoala Peninsula, northeast Madagascar in October 1999, and in the Ankarafantsika Strict Nature Reserve from October 2000 to January 2001. Five nests discovered during our study were all located 3-10m above the ground in the forks of trees ranging from 390-1260mm in diameter at breast height. Two adults (perhaps a heterosexual pair) participated equally in nest construction, incubation, and care of the young at each nest, and no helpers were observed. Incubation lasted between 22 and 24 days. The nestling period was 20 to 22 days, and the parents delivered invertebrates and small vertebrates, including mainly geckos and chameleons, to nestlings. External morphometric measurements of specimens suggest that the Hook-billed Vanga lacks sexual dimorphism in body size. Less-marked sexual dimorphism, biparental care, and similar sex roles show the Hook-billed Vanga to have a monogamous mating system.

Conservation biologists have developed powerful tools for reserve selection and design over the past two decades, yet seldom are protected areas actually designed on scientific grounds. Using fundamental biological and socioeconomic principles of conservation science, we designed a new protected area and its multiple-use zone on the Masoala Peninsula in the humid forest zone of Madagascar. The explicit design criteria determined the data gathered for the work, which included (1) spatial distribution and quality of habitat, (2) the areas and species at greatest risk, (3) the relationship between environmental gradients and species distributions, (4) current and predicted human settlement and land and resource use, and (5) the economic potential of natural forest management as an alternative to deforestation. We used a geographic information system to integrate these data layers and applied the design criteria to develop a park proposal that balanced human and wildlife needs. The proposal won the approval of local residents, and a national decree in 1997 designated 2100 km2 of rainforest and three satellite marine reserves as the Masoala National Park, with a surrounding multiple-use zone of approximately 1000 km2. The new park is Madagascar's largest protected area and protects more lowland (

SummaryFrom mid-September 1993 to February 1994 avian species were inventoried at eight sites selected to sample the major biogeographic areas and threatened habitats of Masoala Peninsula of north-eastern Madagascar. The sites ranged from 10 to 1100 m elevation. Three forest types were inventoried: six sites included primary lowland rainforest (0–700 m), one site was characterized as moist montane forest (above 700 m), and one site was classified as littoral forest. Bird species and distribution were sampled using point counts and line transects, tree observations and opportunistic sightings; 85 avian species were detected. Line transects were the most productive technique for number of species detected. Twenty-four detected species were shared by all inventory sites. Six threatened and six near-threatened species were observed with notes on their ecology and behaviour. One endangered species, the Madagascar Serpent-eagle Eutriorchis astur, was first observed along a forest edge and then sighted several times at forest interior sites, suggesting that this secretive endangered raptor is not as rare as previously thought. Another species of indeterminate status, the Madagascar Red Owl Tyto soumagnei, was discovered by two villagers near one inventory site in modified habitat. Several rare and near-threatened species were found to be common throughout Masoala Peninsula: Scaly Ground-roller Brachypteracias squamiger, Short-legged Ground-roller B. leptosomus, Red-breasted Coua Cona serriana, Brown Mesite Mesitornis unicolor, Helmet Vanga Euryceros prcvostii, Bernier's Vanga Oriolia bernieri and Rand's Warbler Randia pseudozosterops; the last was only found along pristine riverine habitat. Three species were detected only at the high elevation montane forest: Grey-crowned Greenbul Phyllastrephus cinereiceps, Forest Rock-thrush Pseudocossyphus sharpei and Madagascar Brush-warbler Nesillas typica. Forest degradation from subsistence agriculture, shifting cultivation and fuelwood collecting threatens natural resources and biodiversity but conservation and development efforts can provide alternatives to meet the needs of the local people.Depuis la moitié du mois de septembre 1993 jusqu'au février 1994, nous avons inventorié la communauté avienne dans huit sites représentant la grande partie des habitats naturels de la Presqu'île de Masoala, Nord-Est de Madagascar. Ces sites ont des altitudes comprises entre 10 et 1100 m. Trois types de forêt ont été inventoriés: six sites de forêt primaire de basse altitude (0–700 m), un site considéré comme forêt humide de montagne (plus de 700 m), et le dernier classé comme for^t littorale. L'échantillonage était fait par point d'écoute et ligne de transect. Certains grands arbres ont été utilisés comme poste d'observation. Quatre-vingts cinq espèces d'oiseaux étaient détectées. Vingt quatre espèces sont communes aux sites inventoriés. Six espèces classées comme menacé et six autres en train de l'être sont observées avec des notes sur leur écologie et comportement. Une espèce en danger, l'Aigle serpentaire Eutriorchis astur, était observée pour la première fois le long d'une bordure forestière et puis vue plusieurs fois en pleine forèt. Ce qui suggère que cette espèce en danger et trèsdiscrète n'est pas très rare comme on a toujours pensé. Une autre espèce de statut indéterminé, l'Effraie de Soumagne Tyto soumagnei était découverte par deux villageois près d'un site d'inventaire dans un habitat dégradé. Quelques espèces rares et en train d'être menacées semblaient communes dans toute la Presqu'île de Masoala: Rollier terrestre écailleux Brachyptcracias squamiger, Rollier terrestre leptosome B. leptosomus, Coua de Serre Couci scrriana, Mésite unicolore Mesitornis unicolor, Eurycère de Prévost Euryceros prevostii, Oriolie de Bernier Oriolia bernieri et la Fauvette de Rand Randia pseudozosterops. Cette dernière se trouve seulement dans les habitats longeant les cours d'eau. Trois espèces sont seulement observées dans une forêt de haute altitude de montagne: Bulbul a tête grise Phyllastrepluis cinereiceps, Merle de roche de forêt Pseudocossyphus sharpei et la Fauvette de Madagascar Nesillas typica. La dégradation forestière causée par le besoin de surface cultivable, la culture itinérante et la collecte de bois de chauffe, menacent les ressources naturelles et la biodiversité du milieu. Seulement, la conservation en parallèle avec des efforts de développement peut fournir une alternative aux besoins de la population locale. Ceci est parmi les objectifs du Projet Masoala; cherchant des alternatives pour la population locale en même temps que la création d'un Pare National qui pourrait protéger une grande partie de bloc forestier de basse altitude de Madagascar, plus de 210.000 hectares.

Members of the family Sapotaceae, occurring in Madagascar’s various forest types, are mostly known as nanto in local dialects; some of their cultural and social values are described here. While the circumscription of Mimusops is well - defined, the delimitation of species within the genus remains unclear and their identification is often difficult. A study of herbarium specimens assigned to this genus deposited in key herbaria, two in Madagascar (TAN and TEF) and three outside the country (G, MO and P), revealed two new species: Mimusops boeniensis Randrianaivo sp. nov. and Mimusops masoalensis Randrianaivo sp. nov. This brings the number of Mimusops species recognized in Madagascar to 16. Both of these newly recognized species are illustrated, and detailed information is provided concerning their morphology and the differences between them and other members in the genus, as well as on their ecology and distribution.

Little is known about carnivoran ecology and population dynamics in northeastern Madagascar, especially on the little studied Masoala peninsula. This leaves the status of threatened carnivores on the Masoala peninsula poorly understood. Even less is known about the relative taxonomic position and role of domestic, feral, and possible wild cats in Madagascar. Adequate conservation of the Masoala peninsula will remain limited until the status, threats, and roles of felines and native carnivorans in regional system dynamics are documented. Six of the ten carnivoran species belonging to the endemic family Eupleridae, as well as introduced civets, domestic dogs, and cats are known to exist on the peninsula. This paper reports an animal of unknown identity in the Masoala carnivoran assemblage, the fitoaty . Specifically it, (i) reports preliminary observations on the fitoaty collected on the Masoala peninsula, and (ii) describes fitoaty distribution and habits based on local knowledge. Fitoaty appear to have a broad geographic range on the peninsula and to prefer contiguous forests near and within the Masoala National Park. The author tentatively identifies the fitoaty as Felis sp. but extensive carnivoran trapping and genetic testing of the fitoaty are needed to adequately assess the range and identity of this carnivoran and its potential impact on local ecosystems.

At the start of 2009, there were 13 rosewood traders in Madagascar. By early 2012 their number had increased to 103 traders in the SAVA region alone. It has been in Antalaha that the growth of these traders has been the most explosive: the ‘original’ traders were joined by family members and also by their former wood collectors. These people were followed by newcomers, the result of which is a current total of 63 traders residing in just this urban centre. Notably, this is despite a ban on the exploiting of rosewood having been implemented in March 2010. Because of the rosewood trading community’s ongoing and concentrated activities in Antalaha, this small port could be cited as an urban centre where a faction of the community is actively challenging the State. The State dare not apply the laws implemented towards prohibiting trading of rosewood, but of course, there is a are common interests between the State and the operators. The current situation described here is not unique: it has recurred through various periods: pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence. RESUME Les exploitants de bois de rose etaient officiellement 13 au debut de 2009. Leur nombre est passe a 103 pour la seule region SAVA au debut 2012. Mais c’est a Antalaha que leur croissance a ete la plus remarquable : les operateurs historiques ont ete rejoints par les membres de leurs familles et leurs anciens collecteurs, puis par des nouveaux venus, pour atteindre le chiffre record de 63 operateurs dans cette seule ville, malgre l’interdiction d’exploiter le bois de rose depuis mars 2010. Cette communaute a fait d’Antalaha une ville a part a Madagascar car elle y fait jeu egal avec l’Etat qui n’ose lui appliquer les lois de la Republique, a moins qu’il n’ait conclu avec elle un mariage d’interet. Cette situation s’avere en outre etre un invariant historique qui a remarquablement traverse les epoques precoloniale, coloniale et postindependance.

The Madagascar Buzzard (Buteo brachypterus) is reported to be common in wooded habitats throughout Madagascar (Langrand and Meyburg 1984). Information on the biology and ecology of the species is limited to brief accounts of individuals and nesting pairs (Rand 1936, Benson et al. 1976, Thiollay and Meyburg 1981, Langrand and Meyburg 1984, Berkelman 1995). The goal of this study was to describe the nest reoccupancy, breeding density, nest dispersion, breeding season, productivity, nesting success, and breeding behavior of the Madagascar Buzzard in the rain forest of the Masoala Peninsula.

Brookesia dwarf chameleons, endemic to Madagascar, were surveyed at the following localities in northern Madagascar (north of 16°S): Montagne d'Ambre, Ankarana, Manongarivo, Tsaratanana, Marojejy and Masoala. A total of 15 species occur in this region. Six new species are described and five new synonyms are identified. The genus Brookesia, the most speciose chamaeleontid genus in Madagascar, contains 23 species. Almost all the northern Brookesia species are restricted to rainforest and occupy a relatively narrow elevational range. Although the northern rainforests represent just one-third of the total rainforest and about 5% of the total island area, 65% of the Brookesia species occur in this region, and 52% are endemic to the northern rainforest. Five new biogeographic regions of the northern rainforest are identified based on centres of Brookesia endemicity: Montagne d'Ambre, Northwest, Tsaratanana, Northeast and East. Speciation is thought to have been facilitated in the north through geographic isolation, with the Tsaratanana mountain range and the dry forests south of Montagne d'Ambre forming barriers to dispersal, and the Tsaratanana mountains acting as a centre of isolation. The fragmented distribution of several Brookesia species of low altitude rainforest suggests a period in Madagascar's history when the climate was wetter and low altitude rainforest much more widespread.

A biogeographical model was proposed in 2006 to explain the centers of endemism and the importance of riparian forest of some watersheds as refuges or dispersal corridors during paleoclimatic oscillations. Here, we consider these geographical features highlighting their biological and socio-cultural importance. We explain the etymology or eponymy of the major rivers of the retreat - dispersal watersheds, i.e., the drainage basins of Bemarivo, Antainambalana, Mangoro, Manampatrana, Mananara South, Mandrare, Onilahy, Mangoky, Tsiribihina, Betsiboka, Maevarano, Sambirano, and Mahavavy North. We propose a toponymy for each of the 15 centers of endemism and highlight their peculiarities. We named the centers of endemism of Vohimarina, Masoala, Analanjirofo, Tanala, Manombo, Anosy, Ranopiso, Karimbola, Mikea, Menabe, Melaky, Sofia, Ampasindava, Ankify, and Ankarana. We illustrate each center of endemism with a flagship species and report on its natural and cultural histories, and conservation.RÉSUMÉUn modèle biogéographique a été proposé en 2006 pour expliquer les centres d’endémisme de la biodiversité et l’importance des ripisylves de certains bassins versants en tant que refuges ou couloirs de dispersion au cours des oscillations paléoclimatiques. Ici, nous considérons ces dispositifs géographiques en soulignant leur importance biologique et socio-culturelle. Dans un premier temps, nous expliquons la toponymie ou l’éponymie des grands fleuves des bassins refuges et de dispersion, à savoir les bassins de la Bemarivo, de l’Antainambalana, du Mangoro, de la Manampatrana, de la Mananara du Sud, du Mandrare, de l’Onilahy, du Mangoky, de la Tsiribihina, de la Betsiboka, de la Maevarano, du Sambirano et de la Mahavavy du Nord. Puis nous proposons une toponymie pour chacun des 17 centres et sous-centres d’endémisme en justifiant leurs particularités. Nous retenons ainsi les centres d’endémisme de Vohimarina, de l’Atsinanana (dont Masoala et Analanjirofo), Tanala, de Manombo, de l’Anosy, d’Ala maika (dont Ranopiso, Karimbola et Mikea), du Menabe, du Melaky, de la Sofia, d’Ampasindava, d’Ankify et de l’Ankarana. Nous illustrons chacun des centres d’endémisme avec une espèce symbolique et rapportons des aspects de son histoire naturelle et culturelle ainsi que de sa conservation.

Recent survey work in Madagascar has led to significant changes in the systematics of Madagascan Phelruma. A new species from the Masoala Peninsula in northeastern Madagascar is described, which has a nostril position typical of Phelsuma from Mauritius, Reunion and Rodriguez islands. Phelsuma breviceps was rediscovered in extreme southern Madagascar and is resurrected from the synonymy of P. mutabilis. Phelsuma breviceps has fragile skin, a probable predator escape mechanism, similar to the condition found in geckos of the genera Ailurorpx and Geckolepis. Three new synonyms are recognized. Phelsuma befotakensis and P. checki are junior synonyms of P. abbotti, and P. minuthi is a junior synonym of P. lineata. Twenty species of Phelruma occur in Madagascar, of which 16 are endemic. A checklist and identification key are provided. Conservation problems of Phelsuma in the coastal regions of Madagascar are briefly discussed.