The Cheirogoleus medius lemur has recently appeared again in Antrema protected area (Northeastern Madagascar) although it was considered extinct in this part of the island for several decades. This re-appearance is indicative of the increase in the population of the species and the good state of conservation of Antrema deciduous forest, managed by the IRD-MNHN (Institute of Research for Development and the National Museum of Natural History).
Indeed, the viability of a species is conditioned by the conservation of its habitat and the level of threat. Cheirogaleus is a nocturnal species that hibernates during the dry and cold season. It is highly prized by hunters in May-June, at the beginning of its hibernation, hence its name “matavirambo” at that time. In an ideal scheme, each species remains in its “habitat”, but like most lemur species, logging, bush farming, hunting activities, and climate change are threatening the distribution of Cheirogaleus.
Conservation activities in Antrema, and more broadly in Boeny’s deciduous forest protected areas, contribute significantly to the preservation of biodiversity and, by extension, the ecosystem services that this biodiversity provides. In this respect, Antrema provides raw materials used locally for basketry, which is the main income generating activity among women. This good news encourages FAPBM to continue its efforts to fund conservation actions and support local communities in protected areas. Antrema has been among FAPBM funding beneficiaries since the creation of the protected area in 2015.
