The eco-evolutionary history of Madagascar presents unique challenges to tropical forest restoration

Background

Madagascar forests contain high biodiversity and species endemism, while also being heavily threatened by deforestation. Restoration of these forests may be unique to many other restoration projects due to the unique evolutionary history of the island.

Goals and Methods

The authors conduct a literature review of publications to determine if forest restoration in Madagascar is more challenging. With compiled literature from 1990 to 2022, the authors consequently describe unique challenges to Madagascar forest restoration in order to facilitate higher quality restoration projects.

Conclusions and Takeaways

Overall, it appears that aboveground biomass recovery is slower in Madagascar compared to other tropical forests. Madagascar forests lack resilience to altered fire regimes, contains nutrient-poor soils, contain high quantities of invasive species, and house low quantities of seed dispersers. In addition, the authors conclude that more experimental studies are needed in this region to gain better insights into these challenges and enable forest practitioners to improve restoration practices.