Rainforests of the Atsinanana, Madagascar
Christy Haakenson
SCI230
Introduction to Life Science
Paula Roberts
March 27, 2011

The Rainforests of the Atsinanana is a place like no other. The continent of Madagascar can be found 200 miles off the east coast of Africa and completed full separation from all other land masses more than 60 million years ago (Staff W., 2001). The island of Madagascar has lived in isolation and with isolation gives the Rainforests of Atsinanana an abundance of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. This unique place is made up of six national parks and was approved by UNESCO committee in New Zealand (WWF, n.d.). The Rainforests of Atsinanana is currently on the list of world heritage sites in …show more content…

Along with the Baobab trees are 170 different palm trees. These palm trees are also found nowhere else in the world or endemic. Didiereaceae are plants closely in relation to cacti. The difference Didiereaceae has from cacti is that they grow small leaves, but are similar because they both have thick leaved and stems that hold as much water as possible (2010). Throughout Madagascar there are roughly 900 different orchid species in which 90% are endemic (2010). One of the most famous orchids is the carnivorous pitcher. This plant is unique because they trap their pray in the cup or cavity (2010). Because of their unique appearance these orchids are threatened because of their collectors and trade. Along with many other parts of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana Madagascar, orchids are also threatened by rainforest destruction. Atsinanana was place on the list of World Heritage in Danger sites by the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) because of the continuing of illegal logging and lemur bush meat consumption. Although deforestation continues to be a problem Madagascar continues to issue permits for illegal logging of rosewood and ebony (WWF, n.d.). The illegal logging taking place in Atsinanana is harming the biodiversity for livelihoods. In 2009 alone there were 52,000 tons from 100,000 trees cut down (WWF, n.d.). For the unique biodiversity Atsinanana this will continue to destroy this