Threatened biodiversity in Madagascar

Over the past four years, Project Palms, led by SEED Madagascar, has worked to protect six rare palm species found only in the Sainte Luce region of southeast Madagascar. These palms are under threat from habitat loss, overharvesting, and climate change.

After four years of researching, planting, and community work, SEED is pleased to report that this project has now achieved or exceeded all its key objectives. Our team carried out an in-depth survey of more than 150,000 palm trees across five forest areas, gaining extensive knowledge on these species' population, natural history, and increasing the population of those most threatened. 

We discovered that most of these trees are juvenile, with very few mature adults left. Three of the six species have fewer than 100 adult trees remaining. This shows just how close these species are to extinction. Our team also planted over 2,500 young palms to help boost populations. This included nearly doubling the local population of one species, Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. These plantings were carefully placed in forest areas where the soil, sunlight, and canopy cover matched what the palms need to thrive.

Alongside this fieldwork, the project explored how the palms grow, how they’re pollinated, and how they’re used by local people. One major achievement was identifying the types of insects, mostly bees and ants, that pollinate three of the species, something that had never been studied before.

Crucially, the project also worked closely with over 1,000 community members to raise awareness and gather input on how to protect these trees. This led to the creation of a Conservation Action Plan that outlines practical steps for ongoing protection, from anti-logging signs to local law enforcement.

SEED is committed to protecting threatened biodiversity, and we wouldn’t be able to complete projects like Project Palms without our supporters. While challenges like drought, fire, and future mining remain, Project Palms has laid a strong foundation for saving these unique palms. It’s a hopeful step forward in preserving Madagascar’s incredible biodiversity, and a reminder of what can be achieved when science, conservation, and communities work hand-in-hand.