Rainforest island vital for biodiversity

The island of Madagascar is an extremely important place in terms of biodiversity, as its location means it is home to many unique species and rare ecosystems, a scientist has stressed.

Speaking to Steve Kotler, from Yale Environment 360, professor of anthropology at the State University of New York, MacArthur Foundation award winner and executive director for the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments Patricia Wright said that the island is unique and as it had been "isolated" for such a long time, boasts incredible wildlife and species.

The interview was published in the Guardian and Ms Wright went on to say that "the things that have happened in Madagascar are very important for us to understand because it's in a very special position".

She noted that some of the island's animals can not be found anywhere else but warned that the distinctive environment is at risk from logging activity involving precious rosewood trees.

Illegal logging of rare types of tree is an issue for many of the world's rainforest nations and despite much legislation limiting it to certain areas it continues to be rife.

Written by Helen Montag.

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