Madagascar's biodiversity is highlighted in the Ibity Massif, a harmonious protected landscape of capital importance for conservation. This site, classified in category V of the IUCN as a harmonious protected landscape, extends over an area of 6,136 hectares according to the decree in force. Administered by the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG) since its creation in 2015, the Ibity Massif has not experienced any change in status since then.
The Ibity Massif is remarkable for its diversity of vegetation, particularly between 1500 and 2254 meters above sea level. The cool climate due to the altitude, as well as a dry season softened by dew and fog, favor varied vegetation. The substrate mainly composed of quartzite is a determining factor for the high floral endemism in the region. Some local plants have evolved unique adaptations, suggesting that fires have long been a part of local environmental conditions. Currently, fires, all of human origin, are frequent and threaten the fragile ecosystem of the massif.
In terms of wildlife, the Ibity Massif is home to several species of mammals, including endemic species such as Hemicentetes nigriceps and Microgale pusilla, as well as more common species like Rattus rattus and Setifer bristles. The fauna richness of the site is complemented by the presence of birds, reptiles and amphibians, which reinforces the importance of the massif for the conservation of biodiversity.
The massif also covers cultural significance. It is home to several sacred places, such as the tombs of ancient kings and ancient inhabitants, locally known as “indigenous graves”. These cultural sites add an additional dimension to the value of the Ibity Massif, making it a place of both natural and cultural conservation.
However, like many natural sites on the island, the Ibity Massif is faced with several anthropogenic pressures. Fires, although historically natural, are now of human origin and have a negative impact on ecosystems. Charcoal production has significantly reduced woody vegetation, particularly in rupe forests. Collecting certain succulent plants, such as Pachypodium brevicaule, for the national and international market, as well as the collection of wild silkworm cocoons, also affect local populations. The lower slopes of the massif are used for livestock grazing, and the site is vulnerable to uncontrolled gold rushes, which can destroy natural vegetation in small areas.
The site is also invaded by exotic species, notably the kesiya pine, an alien tree belonging to the Pinaceae family. This invasion is currently the subject of control measures to preserve the integrity of the ecosystem.
To summarize, the Ibity Massif is not only a bastion of Malagasy biodiversity, but also a witness to the complex interaction between man and nature in this region.unique region of the central highlands of Madagascar.
Comment (0)