The lemur, a furry primate that symbolises Madagascar’s unique biodiversity, is under renewed threat from a “timber mafia” pillaging the island’s forests for profit.
Environmentalists warn that a political crisis in the impoverished country is reversing conservation gains of recent years and putting “hundreds if not thousands” of species, many not yet identified, at risk of extinction.
Madagascar, which has been isolated from landmasses for more than 160m years, is the world’s fourth largest island and a “conservation hotspot” with thousands of exotic species found only here. These include nearly 100 species of lemur, six of which are deemed critically endangered.
Decades of logging, mining and slash-and-burn farming have destroyed 90% of Madagascar’s forests, though the rate has slowed in the past two decades.
The former president, Marc Ravalomanana, was praised for putting 6m hectares under protection and backing eco-friendly community projects and sustainable farming. But Ravalomanana was ousted in March in a violent coup that led to a breakdown of law and order and a “gold rush” of armed loggers and poachers. International sanctions have caused the suspension of environmental programmes and could hit 45 national parks that are 90% dependent on overseas aid.
Lemurs’ natural habitat is under threat from the accelerating deforestation. In addition, the endangered animals are being hunted for bushmeat, either to be eaten by drought-afflicted local populations or sold as a roasted delicacy in city restaurants.
This year an estimated $100m worth of hardwood has been cut down and sold, mostly to China to be turned into furniture.
The government, which levies a 40% export tax, is accused of not only failing to stop the trade but actively encouraging it.
It issued an order last month authorising the export of raw and semi-processed hardwood. This supposedly related to trees already felled in cyclones, but environmental activists say it has only provided an incentive for more illegal logging.
– from guardian.co.uk
Please dont buy imported furniture. Buy local.