The Malagasy carnivores: the most threatened group of carnivores in the world
Fosa © Chien C. Lee / chienclee.com
A priority for conservation
The Malagasy carnivores are an immediate priority for species conservation. Of the nine species, only one, the Ring-tailed Vontsira, is not threatened with extinction. The others are all declining rapidly due to a combinaton of threats including hunting, illegal logging and habitat loss. Urgent action is needed.
Why are the island’s carnivores so threatened?
Habitat loss
Habitats in Madagascar are being cleared for commercial agriculture and extractive industries, such as mining. Small-scale slash and burn agriculture and charcoal production are also major contributers.
Illegal logging
The illegal trade in high-value hardwoods, such as rosewoods and ebonies is another threat. This is often a driver of habitat loss. Commercially valuable trees are harvested and sold to overseas markets, mainly in Asia.
Hunting
The photograph shows a trap for hunting Fosas. The island’s small carnivores are hunted for bushmeat. In the case of Fosa there is also some human-wildlife conflict. Domestic dogs are another threat: feral and hunting dogs impact the island’s carnivores.
Dry deciduous forest in Madagascar © Chien C. Lee / chienclee.com
The island’s carnivores: what do we stand to lose?
Nine species of carnivore are found on the island:
Fosa - Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Bokiboky - Endangered
Spotted Fanaloka - Vulnerable
Western Falanouc - Endangered
Eastern Falanouc - Endangered
Grandidier’s Vontsira - Endangered
Broad-striped Vontsira - Vulnerable
Brown-tailed Vontsira - Vulnerable
Ring-tailed Vontsira - Least Concern
Fosa
Bokiboky
Ring-tailed Vontsira
Fosa
Ring-tailed Vontsira
Spotted Fanaloka