Southern Madagascar stands as a distinct region within the world’s fourth-largest island. Its isolation and environment create a contrast to Madagascar’s more humid eastern and central areas. This vast southern expanse, formerly known as Toliara province, is characterized by its arid to semi-arid climate, making it one of the most fragile parts of the island. The lack of developed infrastructure, including road networks, contributes to the region’s unique and challenging circumstances.
Unique Natural Landscape
The physical environment of Southern Madagascar is defined by its semi-arid to arid climate, with average annual rainfall 500 mm or less. The driest areas, particularly the southwestern coastal region, receive less than 350 mm of rain annually, with dry seasons lasting nine to eleven months. This extreme aridity has shaped a landscape where plants exhibit remarkable adaptations to survive prolonged droughts.
A defining feature of this region is the unique “spiny forest” biome, also referred to as the Spiny Thicket or Spiny Desert. This ecoregion, spanning southern and southwestern Madagascar, is dominated by drought-adapted plants, including many species from the endemic family Didiereaceae. These woody plants, distantly related to cacti, are a conspicuous component of the flora, especially towards the east.
Notable plant species include the “octopus trees” (Didierea madagascariensis), which can reach up to 10 meters tall, and various types of Euphorbia with succulent stems and reduced leaves. Also prominent is Alluaudia procera, known as the Madagascar ocotillo, a spiny succulent shrub with thick, water-storing stems. The region also hosts several species of baobab trees (Adansonia spp.) with spongy, water-storing interiors. Geological features, such as the Tertiary limestone of the Mahafaly Plateau and the unconsolidated red sands, contribute to the distinct appearance of the landscape.
Endemic Wildlife
Southern Madagascar boasts extraordinary biodiversity and high endemism, with many species found nowhere else. This isolation, from Madagascar’s separation millions of years ago, allowed its flora and fauna to evolve along unique evolutionary paths. About 90% of all plant and animal species on the island are endemic, classifying it as a biodiversity hotspot.
Lemurs are iconic to the island, and several species have adapted to the harsh southern environment. Ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), known for their striped tails and sun-worshipping behavior, are common inhabitants. Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), with white fur and a characteristic sideways leap, is another lemur species found in the spiny forests.
Beyond lemurs, the region is home to reptiles and birds. Chameleons and geckos are well-represented, with most of Madagascar’s reptile species are endemic. The nano-chameleon (Brookesia nana), one of the smallest reptiles on Earth, was found here. Birdlife is also diverse, with over 100 endemic species, including the elusive Long-tailed Ground-roller (Uratelornis chimaera) and the rare Appert’s Greenbul (Phyllastrephus apperti), which lives only in the Zombitse forest.
Local Communities and Traditions
The human population of Southern Madagascar comprises several ethnic groups, each with traditional ways of life adapted to the challenging environment. The Antandroy, whose name translates to “people of the thorns,” are prominent inhabitants of the arid south, engaging in pastoralism and cattle herding. They maintain a rich culture, including rituals, songs, and dances, and are known for their woodcarving.
The Mahafaly people, residing on a limestone plateau between the Onilahy and Menaranda rivers, are recognized for their burial customs. Their tombs are elaborate structures adorned with aloalo carvings, wooden sculptures commemorating the deceased, and zebu horns. These burial sites reflect a strong belief in the powers of ancestors and a deep respect for tradition.
Along the coast, the Vezo are semi-nomadic fishermen, referred to as “those who paddle,” due to their reliance on outrigger canoes. They use harpoons and nets, venturing into the sea even in high waves. These communities have developed intricate knowledge of their surroundings, with their livelihoods closely intertwined with the land and sea resources in this dry region.
Key Conservation Efforts
Conservation in Southern Madagascar is important due to its unique and fragile ecosystems facing threats. The region’s spiny forests are experiencing deforestation and degradation due to charcoal production, wildfires, and shifting cultivation. Only about 3.2% of the remaining spiny forest falls within protected areas.
Several protected areas safeguard the endemic flora and fauna. Andohahela National Park, located in the southeast, protects a range of ecosystems, including a section of spiny forest. Isalo National Park, often called the “Grand Canyon” of Madagascar, preserves diverse landscapes, including sandstone massifs and canyons, and is home to various lemur species. Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, situated in the Atsimo-Andrefana region, is important as it protects a significant remnant of Madagascar’s dry deciduous forests and succulent woodlands.
Conservation initiatives in these areas involve community-based programs. For example, organizations implement sustainable charcoal projects to reduce pressure on forests by providing alternative livelihoods for communities. Efforts also include reforestation programs aimed at restoring degraded habitats. These combined approaches protect the unique biodiversity of Southern Madagascar from ongoing threats.