Protecting Threatened Lemur Habitat in Madagascar

Over the past year, SEED Madagascar’s Ala Programme has continued to protect Madagascar’s endangered lemurs by restoring and reconnecting fragments of the Sainte Luce Littoral Forest (SLLF); one of the island’s last remaining coastal forests. Despite facing a year of extreme drought, a major fire, and Tropical Storm Jude, the project has achieved remarkable progress thanks to the generous support of our donors.

Since August 2024, the team has planted 6,490 native seedlings across five forest corridors, helping re-establish vital links between fragmented habitats and creating safe passages for lemurs. Endangered species such as the Thomas’ Dwarf Lemur and Red Collared Brown Lemur have already been recorded using the corridors; an exciting milestone proving the project’s growing impact.

To strengthen restoration efforts, SEED expanded the Ala Nursery, now nurturing over 17,000 native seedlings, and introduced a vermicomposting system that has already produced more than 300 kg of organic compost. Fire prevention measures were reinforced through the clearing of corridor firebreaks, community fire-awareness workshops, and the re-training of local fire agents.

Recognising that conservation success depends on people as well as forests, SEED trained corridor landowners in forest management and financial literacy, empowering them to better protect and benefit from their land. Collaborative meetings brought together over 50 representatives from neighbouring communities and government bodies, strengthening cooperation and shared responsibility for forest protection.

Research and monitoring have remained robust, with surveys tracking seedling growth and biodiversity recovery. An interactive ecological map has also been developed to support advocacy for both conservation and community needs.

As the programme enters its second year, SEED will expand nursery capacity to 44,000 seedlings, strengthen fire defences, and continue monitoring biodiversity. None of this progress would be possible without you; your continued generosity is helping to secure a safer, greener future for Madagascar’s forests, lemurs, and communities.

At the beginning of 2025, tragedy swept through the fragile littoral forests of Sainte Luce. Fires ravaged the landscape, turning once-vibrant green corridors into charred remains. But even in the face of destruction, hope took root.

Just weeks after the final flames were extinguished, a quiet miracle began. By March, new life emerged — native seedlings, resilient and determined, began pushing through the scorched earth. It was nature’s first sign that recovery was possible.

To support this delicate regeneration, SEED Madagascar’s team acted quickly. Over 2,800 ringbarked acacias were removed across five corridors to reduce competition with native species. Their elimination cleared the way for native species to thrive once more.

In March, Cyclone Jude tore through the region, toppling 380 more Acacia trees and damaging sections of Corridor 3, a vital passageway for Sainte Luce’s endangered lemurs. But the native seedlings — incredibly — stood firm. Inspired by their resilience, SEED pressed forward with renewed urgency.

By April, nearly 5,000 native seedlings had been planted across Corridors 1, 3, 4, and 5. Each seedling is more than a tree — it’s a promise: to reconnect fragmented forest, to rebuild lemur habitats, and to give Madagascar’s biodiversity a chance to flourish once again.

SEED's team constructed small, natural shelters from Acacia wood, Ravenala leaves, and rope to protect young trees. These experimental shelters are helping us learn what methods best support seedling growth; essential knowledge as we prepare to plant over 40,000 trees in 2026.

There was a moment of joy in February, before the cyclone struck, when our camera traps captured a glimpse of three red-collared brown lemurs using Corridor 3. It was a powerful reminder: these efforts are working. Wildlife is returning.

Behind the planting and pruning, community plays a vital role. In April, 51 members from eight local forest management associations came together with the Regional Environment Ministry and SEED to plan the next phase of fire prevention and sustainable forest stewardship. Their leadership and partnership are the backbone of long-term success.

We’ve also expanded Project Ala’s worm nursery and secured an additional 1,400 m² of land, complete with a firebreak, to continue strengthening Corridor 5.

None of this would be possible without you.

Your support is not just funding trees, it’s rebuilding ecosystems, protecting endangered species, and empowering communities. Thank you for believing in this work. Together, we are turning devastation into renewal.