How Does Deforestation Affect Madagascar

The political instability has also hindered economic growth and development to a great extent. The lack of political stability has resulted in the halting of much needed international aid that accounted for 75% of the expansion within infrastructure in Madagascar. This international aid could have led to economic growth and development within Madagascar because there would be an increase in infrastructure and more better-paying jobs available to pay for the increase in demand of exports from Madagascar (Weltman). The former President Marc Ravalomanana and the most recent president, Andry Rajoelina, had both worked aggressively to combat corruption but may not be able to just yet. Under past rulers, corruption had been a serious problem. During

Human populations have grown long beyond the point at which these activities can be practiced without permanent destruction. As the forest is destroyed, so is the habitat for Madagascar 's unique plant and animal species. The loss of habitat due to deforestation is the biggest single threat to Madagascar 's wildlife. Although the exact extent of forest loss is not known with certainty, only 10 percent of Madagascar 's forests remain. Also, recent estimates suggest that 1-2 percent of Madagascar 's remaining forests are destroyed each year, and that a staggering 80-90 percent of Madagascar 's land area burns each year (Kremen). Cyclones originating from the Strait of Mozambique or the Indian Ocean are distinct possibilities. In addition, flooding and droughts, neither of which are not uncommon, are linked to other environmental issues with the spread of disease and swarms of locusts (Miller). With its rivers running blood red and staining the surrounding Indian Ocean, astronauts have remarked that it looks as if Madagascar is bleeding to death. This insightful observation highlights one of Madagascar 's greatest environmental problems—soil erosion. Deforestation of Madagascar 's central highlands has resulted in widespread soil erosion, which in some areas may top 400 tons/ha per year (Ramananarivo). The loss of trees, which anchor the soil with their roots, causes