Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
succulent scrublands of the southwest and the subhumid forest to the north and
east. Trees in the legume, trumpet vine, euphorb, soapberry, sumac, and fig fami-
lies are represented. Species from the milkweed family are the common lianas in
the shrub layer. Distinctive plants in these forest include seven endemic species of
Baobab tree (Africa has one species). Madagascar palm and blackwood are also
present in the island's dry forests, along with flamboyant trees with bright orange
and red flowers.
Several endemic animals are also found in the seasonal forests of Madagascar.
The Angonoka tortoise is one of the world's 10 most endangered animals and is re-
stricted to the dry forests of Madagascar. Unfortunately, due to long-term hunting
of these animals, increased forest fragmentation, and fires, they are critically
endangered with fewer than 1,000 individuals estimated to be left. These dry forests
are also home to eight endemic lemurs. Lemurs are critical to the regeneration of
the forests because they are important seed dispersers. Several endemic mice and
rats including the forest mouse, western forest rat, and jumping rat (the size of a
rabbit) inhabit these dry forests.
It is estimated that 97 percent of the Malagasy dry forest has been destroyed or
severely altered due to fire and forest clearing for shifting agriculture and livestock
pastures. Forest trees have been taken for firewood, charcoal production, and con-
struction. Much of the remaining forest is susceptible to degradation due to its
proximity to savannas where uncontrolled burning takes place. Increasing popula-
tions and encroachment into the dry forests of Madagascar continues to threaten
the last remaining forest fragments. Parks and protected areas have been created
with the cooperation of the Malagasy government, traditional leaders, and local
organizations in an attempt to conserve the last remaining dry forests on the island.
Cape Verde Islands
The Cape Verde Islands are located in the mid-Atlantic about 300 mi (450 km) off
the west coast of Senegal. They are of volcanic origin and support a small fragment
of dry forest that still maintains a number of endemic species. On the islands, the
dry season occurs between December and July, with a short wet season from Au-
gust to November. The Cape Verde Islands are home to 15 endemic species of liz-
ards, including giant skinks, giant geckos, mabuya skinks, hemidactylus lizards,
and Torentola geckos.
Animals of the African Seasonal Forests
African seasonal forests have high rates of species richness and endemism. For
example, the remaining eastern African coastal forest provides habitat for about
50 mammal species, 200 bird species, and 1,000 to 1,500 species of higher plants.
These seasonal forests are quite diverse and share most of their species with the
rainforest or savanna. Unlike the rainforest, dry forests (with the exception of
