By Tonya Wiley

The world’s sawfishes are rightfully once again in the global conservation spotlight as a new analysis published in the journal Current Biology highlights the mounting threats facing the world’s sharks, rays, and chimaeras (chondrichthyan fishes). The study finds that a third of these species are now threatened with extinction, due primarily to overfishing, and that depletion is most severe in tropical and subtropical regions.

The authors assessed nearly 1,200 shark, ray, and chimaera species against International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria and found that 391 (32%) qualify as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable. Species classified in these three IUCN categories are considered threatened with extinction. This second global chondrichthyan assessment finds twice as many species threatened as the first such analysis in 2014. Chondrichthyans now rank second among vertebrates (after amphibians) in terms of extinction threat.

Extinction risk is shown to be greatest for large-bodied, warm-water, coastal elasmobranchs, such as sawfishes. More than three-quarters of tropical and subtropical chondrichthyans are threatened. Rays are the most imperiled of the three chondrichthyan fish groups, with 41% of species threatened, compared to 36% of sharks and 9% of chimaeras. The sawfishes remain among the top five most threatened chondrichthyan families, along with wedgefishes, giant guitarfishes, devil rays, and pelagic eagle rays.

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Overfishing is main risk for all of the 391 chondrichthyans classified as threatened. About one-third of these species are also imperiled by habitat degradation. Climate change currently affects about 10% of threatened chondrichthyans but is a rapidly emerging concern.  

The authors review the importance of chondrichthyans to marine ecosystems and the species’ inherent vulnerability to overfishing (due to slow growth and relatively low numbers of offspring). In noting how overfishing has outpaced effective management, they flag governments’ poor overall performance in fulfilling conservation obligations under treaties such as the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species and the Convention on Migratory Species. (Sawfishes received the highest level of protection under these two treaties many years ago but implementation of basic safeguards has been seriously lacking.)

The paper includes an urgent call for chondrichthyan conservation action, particularly limits on fishing.  As a general rule, retention of Endangered and Critically Endangered species should be prohibited. Most chondrichthyans would benefit from programs to minimize incidental catch and associated mortality. Area closures to further restrict fishing and protect habitats can improve chances for recovery while rebuilt populations are best positioned to withstand climate change. Immediate remedies outlined in the paper that would help sawfish in particular include strict retention bans, protections for key habitats (such as mangroves), and full implementation of various international commitments to ban trade, pursue regional conservation initiatives for shared populations, etc.

Overfishing drives over one-third of all sharks and rays toward a global extinction crisis, is available online as an open access publication.

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Conservation Photography with Jack & Karim

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We have selected for you a few emblems of Madagascar that make it so unique! Rich fauna and flora, breathtaking landscapes and idyllic beaches.

THE TSINGY OF MADAGASCAR, A GEOLOGICAL CURIOSITY

Made by erosion, the Tsingy of Madagascar are fossilized shells’ formations. Admire them into fantastic landscapes, the immensity of the Tsingy remember us a forgotten era : the Jurassic.

Visible in several Madagascar’s regions, the Tsingy are wide areas of limestone and friable rocks made of fossilized shells. Million years ago, Madagascar was still attached to Africa’s continent…

Don’t forget to bring suitable clothes as there are deep cavities on the Tsingy ground, and the humidity level is very high there and the plants tend to go up to reach the light. In opposite, the top of the Tsingy is very dry and the temperature can reach very high levels.

You will find these rock formations in three main regions of Madagascar, especially the Melaky’s region, Diego Suarez’s and Diana’s one, the two first are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Tsingy by your own means, or accompanied by a guide who will explain you in details all the formation process of the Tsingy.

THE LEMUR, AN EMBLEMATIC SPECIES OF MADAGASCAR

Lemurs are a monkey species endemic to Madagascar. You can only find the five families of this atypical monkey on the “Great Island.” They can be found in National Parks, natural reserves; or in their simplest habitat, the rainforest. Malagasy fauna will give a little magic to your excursions during a forest hike, your outings in the Great South; or your birdwatching tours.

Considered to be the monkey’s ancestor; you will only see the lemur in its natural habitat: Madagascar. Lemurs are very smart animals, some species like the Sifaka; are very comfortable with humans. It is normal for a lemur to lodge on your shoulders during your outings in the forest.

Nowadays, there are more than 100 species of lemurs. Each one can be found in Madagascar: either at the Tsimbazaza Zoo, in one of the numerous national parks, or in the wilderness. The places where they can be observed are innumerable and new species are still discovered today, such as the dwarf lemur of Ankarana.

The Famous Maki Catta

Recognizable by its black and white ring tail, maki catta is the most popular species of the lemur. It takes its name from its mewing and its purr, similar to the cat (from which it takes its name). The Maki Catta can be found in the tropical forests of the south of the island as well as in various national parks. Several places are suitable to observe, the most spectacular will be in the Isalo National Park, the private reserve of Berenty, or even in the Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park.

While you are on the island, you will have no trouble discovering lemurs in their natural habitat, particularly in National Parks since they are generally very noisy!

A guide will take you to the most visited spots, depending on the species you want to see. Some types of lemurs are very sociable and not very fierce, and you will not have difficulty approaching them.

However, don’t tease these animals to avoid scratches and bites. They are used to living in groups, and you will have more chances of meeting families (with their children), once it is night time.

AN UNFORGETTABLE MEETING WITH THE WHALES OF MADAGASCAR

Every year from June to September, the humpback whales migrate off the northeast coasts of Madagascar to mate and give birth. You will be able to go on board in small groups to observe these impressive marine mammals arriving by hundreds. 

It’s from June onwards that you will observe the majestic ballet of humpback whales. After thousands of kilometers , they arrive in the Madagascar’s hot tropical waters for the mating season. You will be able to attend the incredible mating dances of males for their females: jumps, strikes of fins, rises out of water,… And if you are lucky, perhaps you will attend the moving birth of a calf, and his first life lesson with his mother. A unique experience awaits you ! 

Get on board to live an incredible experience : swimming with the mythical whale shark.

Completely harmless, just put on your mask, palm and snorkel, and find yourself in the company of this mastodont that can reach up to 15 meters long. Sensation guaranteed !

It is a unique and accessible experience. Even if you are not a great swimmer, the settings in the water are adapted to each. But if you rather like, you can also simply watch them from the boat, this will remain an unforgettable memory. Whale watching is carried out in a supervised context. The CétaMada association has thus created a charter of good behavior for the responsible and respectful observation of the marine mammals in Madagascar. In this way, be assured to live this unique experience in the utmost respect of the local fauna.

THE BAOBAB, A MALAGASY TREE

Real emblem of Malagasy flora, the baobab is a majestic and sacred tree that counts eight species. Six of them only grow in Madagascar. The baobab alley contains the most specimens in the world, so you will realize their impressive size and admire some trunks naturally intertwined (baobab in love).

“Sanctuary of nature” and “ecological jewel”, are the adjectives that qualify the natural wealth of Madagascar. The baobab, also called “reniala” (“mother of the forest”) in Malagasy, is a 100% secular Malagasy tree.

There are eight species on earth and six of them are endemic to the island. The baobab constitutes an important reserve of water which allows it to tolerate extreme climatic conditions.

Because of its trunk filled with water, the baobab is also called “bottle tree”. 

The Baobab Alley

• At 19 kms from Morondava, admire the unique forest of baobab trees in the world.
• This set of a dozen trees presents a landscape of a rare elegance.
• Most of these baobabs are more than 800 years old, a legacy of the dense forests that have flourished on the island a long time ago.
• You can admire some of the most beautiful specimens in a wonderful scenery.

To learn more click here.

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