April 9, 2025
Madagascar: Unique Biodiversity, A Global Treasure at Risk
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Karicia Gallegos
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24 comments
Daniel Miramon
In my recent essay, I explored the alarming issue of drought in Madagascar—an island seemingly surrounded by water yet grappling with the threat of prolonged dry spells. These droughts not only jeopardize communities but also put wildlife at great risk, creating a precarious situation for both people and nature.
What’s even more troubling is the prevalence of wildfires that sweep across the island’s forests, devastating ecosystems and further complicating the balance of life in Madagascar. Adding to these environmental challenges is a backdrop of political instability; frequent changes in government, civil unrest, and ongoing governance issues only exacerbate the situation.
Compounded by an overwhelming poverty rate—with 80.7% of the population living below the poverty line in 2023—the stakes are incredibly high for the people of Madagascar. The intersection of these crises highlights the urgent need for collective action and innovative solutions to safeguard the future of this unique island and its inhabitants.
Nicholas Quintero
I enjoyed how your infographic presents us without different relevant facts and pieces of information on Madagascar and how that information is separated and visually presented to the reader in your infographic. It’s not overbearing and is easy for the reader to digest, especially when the information being conveyed is important as it pertains to its key highlight which is the biodiversity and then talks about the threats to said biodiversity and other challenges, but then ends on a positive note about possible solutions which is a good way to end, I enjoyed thoroughly, thank you!
Bella Gutierrez
Hi Karicia! The consistent theme and colors in this infographic are really great. You have a creative eye! I was surprised to learn that lemurs are only native to Madagascar, I suppose I should’ve known that at my grown age. I think the numeric data points in this infographic could’ve been displayed a different way, something easier to read. Really great job!
Ixchel Mireles
Hello Karicia,
I love how you designed your infographic! Madagascar sounds like a beautiful location that if filled with so many beautiful natural resources, although I was unaware of the political instability that Madagascar had. The history of animals such as the chameleon and lemurs is fascinating! The Baobab tree surprised me with how tall it can be, and it is amazing. Although I do wonder how the fruit looks like and what dishes the local communities use it for and how they are able to reach it? With the rich biodiversity especially the rainforest it had not crossed my mind that Madagascar had periods of drought. To have 90% of wildlife is such a privilege for a country, nonetheless a country that is an island. What surprised me the most was how 80% of the population lives in poverty, why hasn’t the country created jobs that benefit the people and ecosystems to work in unison instead of against each other?
Lashanna Hill
What surprised me most about this country is madagascar is home to half of the world’s chameleon species. I Was not aware they are currently under threats due to deforestation and illegal collection for pet trade The best part of this infographic was the Threats to Biodiversity. It provided information that 90% of their wildlife is not found anywhere else in the world, and the dangers of deforstation, habitat loss, and climate change. This should be a wake up call for some action but I just wonder if someone will have a chance to answer with initiatives before it’s too late and they’re extinct. Good job on the presentation
Cris Saldana
Something that always fascinated me about Madagascar, is how unique its landscape is and how such a large island has such fauna. But the concern does come from the fact its fauna is only on that island. With how much unique resources Madagascar has, it is very concerning how much the environment of the region has been taken and how much damage has been done to the land. I really dont have anything else to say other than it is really visually appealing.
Sunny Ngethe
Hii I love that you took an interest in Madagascar as it is definitely a country many people know about but hardly ever know about past its name. Biodiversity is very important especially considering the increasing threat of global warming and climate change, I love how you shed the light on an area many people wouldn’t think about at all when speaking about the climate crisis. I like that you have data although I wish it was a little more detailed in the data specifically being shown. Overall a very well put together infographic that has definitely inspired me to do research of my own on Madagascar.
Carollann Serafin
1) I think I was more surprised when I initially learned about this country is learning about what the country is and what is it most known for. I loved learning about the Lemurs since the movie Madagascar was a childhood favorite for many students.
2) The best part of this infographic was the charts and use of photos and how each portion of the infographic told a story and tied together what really makes the country what it is.
3) I think my only comments was the background color but overall enjoyed reading and learning about Madagascar.
Cynthia Brehm
What shocked me was the level of poverty of 80% in Madagascar! How do the people survive? The unemployment rate is 6%, yet comparatively in “The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.2% in March 2025” (Trading Economics, 2025).
Obviously, money is scarce, and they have learned to live on a lot less than we do.
What I like best was Madagascar is home to half of the 150 species of chameleons in the world, and that lemurs are native only to Madagascar. I also liked your design layout, including the font you chose, it was very simple, clean, and easy. Nice work.
Bibliography
Trading Economics. (2025). United States unemployment rate. Tradingeconomics.com. https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/unemployment-rate
America Rosales
as a huge animal lover and heart to heart feeler with animals! , I noticed that so much of Madagascar’s species is found nowhere else in the world. The most intriguing aspect of this infographic was its emphasis on the local population and the statement that communities must rely only on their own environment for survival since they have no other options. This led me to be incurably shocked with the environmental preservation measures cannot be primarily based on regulation; genuine development must also address the needs of local residents and the core causes of environmental deterioration.