fourth largest island, and is

recognised as one of the

world’s top ten hotspots for

biodiversity. It is estimated

that there are about 10,000

plant species on the island.

Of these, 80% or more

occur nowhere else. Man

arrived in Madagascar just

2,000 years ago and since

has cleared much of the island’s forest.

Supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund,

this atlas, in English and French, gives a history of

vegetation mapping in Madagascar, the methodology

used in compiling this atlas and detailed descriptions

of each vegetation type illustrated with photographs

and diagrams. Trends in deforestation, extent of

occurrence and levels of protection are assessed for

each vegetation type.

The atlas itself comprises 36 detailed A3 maps, all in

high resolution colour, detailing the extent of each

vegetation type, roads, trails, rivers, airports and

reserves, and a full place name index.