Threatened biodiversity in Madagascar

We are pleased to share the progress achieved through your generous support on SEED’s conservation research programme. One of our key focus species is the red-collared brown lemur, locally known as Varika, an endangered animal facing growing threats from habitat loss, mining, and hunting. These lemurs play a vital role in maintaining healthy forests by spreading seeds and supporting plant regeneration, while also contributing to local livelihoods through eco-tourism.

Since 2021, Project Varika has been monitoring lemur populations across several forest areas. In 2025 alone, 46 surveys recorded 186 individuals. In one smaller forest area, where lemurs recently returned, sightings remain rare but encouraging. Occasional observations confirm that lemurs are present and moving between forest patches, showing early signs that conservation efforts are helping reconnect their habitat.

Additionally, Project Palms continues efforts to restore and protect some of Sainte Luce’s most threatened palm species. Across key forest areas, new seedlings were planted and earlier plantings were carefully monitored to track their survival and growth. Encouragingly, many of the palms planted in previous years are still thriving, showing that restoration efforts are having a positive impact.

Last year, the team also revisited mature palms first recorded in 2022. Surviving trees were relocated, assessed, and marked with signs to help protect them from logging. While some areas experienced losses due to fire and extreme weather, others showed strong survival rates. These findings are helping guide where conservation action is most urgently needed and where it is working best.

The achievements we are seeing today are a direct result of the unwavering support of our donors, whose generosity fuels conservation action in the Sainte Luce landscape. Your commitment makes it possible to continue protecting vulnerable species and rebuilding the ecosystems they depend on. Thank you for being an essential part of this work.