14 DAY TRIAL // Just recently, high officials in Madagascar decided that is was high time to create a new wildlife sanctuary in this country. Thus, a relatively large area was set aside for biodiversity conservation, and was declared to constitute the Makira Natural Park.
The Wildlife Conservation Society salutes this decision and explains how the creation of the Makira Natural Park needs to be regarded as a major step taken towards achieving the previously established goal of having ten percent of Madagascar's natural ecosystems turned into wildlife refuges.
More so seeing how, out of the 103 lemur species presently living in Madagascar, 20 are to be found in the Makira Natural Park alone.
For those unaware, lemurs are a group of primates whose natural habitat is restricted to the island of Madagascar, which is why such conservation projects are of utmost importance when it comes to protecting our planet's biodiversity.
Besides providing lemurs with a safe haven, this recently established sanctuary will also help protect the country's fossa population, as these cat-like mammals, presently listed as a vulnerable species, will benefit from proper hunting areas and will no longer be affected by not having enough prey available.
Speaking on behalf of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Cristián Samper made a case of how, “This is truly a landmark in Madagascar’s ongoing commitment to protect its natural heritage. Makira Natural Park now represents the center of biodiversity conservation for the nation.”
Dr. James Deutsch, working for the same organization, backs up Cristián Samper's statement and explains that, “Makira Natural Park is a spectacular achievement for both the wildlife and people of Madagascar. The protected area also serves as an important flagship for the REDD+ program and community-based management.”
From where we stand, the fact that continuous efforts are made to protect both plant and animal species which are going through some tough times as a result of the expansion of human society comes as good news, and brings hope with respect to the future of biodiversity.