PALM S Hogg et al.: Palms of Sainte Luce Vol. 57(3) 2013 The Useful Palms of FORREST HOGG Sainte Luce: SHEILA FUNNELL MEGAN SHRUM EMAHALALA R. E LLIS Implications AND for Local LONGOSOA H. T SIMIJALY ONG Azafady, Villa Rabemanda, Resource Ambinanikely, B.P. 318 Tolagnaro (614) Availability Madagascar [email protected] and Conservation

The community of Sainte Luce, southeast Madagascar, has traditionally relied on palms for a wide range of applications that underpin local livelihoods, but unsustainable extraction and forest cover loss are reducing palm numbers and habitat extent in the area. Six of the ten native palm found within the littoral forest of Sainte Luce are threatened with extinction (IUCN 2012). This investigation reveals that local dependence on these palms remains high, raising concerns both for resource availability and conservation. The potential onset of large-scale mining operations in the area intensifies the need to address these concerns.

Palms () are essential to subsistence limited. Understanding utilization is an and small-scale commercial livelihood important prerequisite for planning in situ strategies across Madagascar (Dransfield & species conservation initiatives (Johnson 1996, Beentje 1995, Byg & Baslev 2001); however, Heywood & Dulloo 2005) and for informing documentation of the uses of palm species in community-based natural resource manage- many ecologically significant regions remains ment plans.

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The littoral forest of Sainte Luce is one of three conditions for their products these operations remaining stands of intact littoral forest within have been recently suspended (1 Feb 2013). the Tolagnaro region (as defined by Vincelette Given the environmental context, QMM is et al. 2007). These fragmented forests are home committed to achieving a net positive impact to exceptional diversity and endemism; (NPI) on the region’s biodiversity (see Temple over 25% of the 1535 plant species found are et al. 2012). endemic to the littoral forest habitat (Consiglio Azafady, a local non-governmental organ- et al. 2006). In comparison to the region’s ization, has been working in Sainte Luce for other littoral forests, Mandena and Petriky, the over a decade and has been focusing research palm family is best represented at Sainte Luce, efforts towards the in situ conservation of where ten native species are found, six of threatened palm species alongside other which are threatened with extinction (IUCN initiatives including biodiversity monitoring, 2012). Other impressive areas for palms can be local capacity building and environmental found in the southeast too, most notably education. Azafady has a team of staff and amidst the large, pristine tract of humid volunteers working permanently in Sainte evergreen forest, known as Tsitongambarika, Luce who are able to record the local uses of which cloaks the Vohimena mountain range the palm flora while also collecting just to the west of Sainte Luce and the lowland information on palm morphology, ecology coastal plain (see Dransfield & Rakotoarinivo, and harvesting practices. The ultimate goal of 2012). this paper is to draw attention to issues Along with tavy (slash-and-burn agriculture) regarding palm conservation and resource and persistent logging, mining is a significant availability in relation to five of the largest threat to the littoral forest of Sainte Luce. QIT littoral forest fragments in Sainte Luce - S6, Madagascar and Minerals (QMM), a subsidiary S7, S8, S9 and S17 (Fig. 1). of Rio Tinto, has targeted 57% of Sainte Luce’s METHODS littoral forest to be cleared for the extraction of ilmenite (Vincelette et al. 2007), a titanium- Study Area iron oxide mineral that is eventually used as a whitening agent. In 2008, mineral extraction Sainte Luce (24º45’S, 47º11’E) is situated along at the pilot site Mandena began, and by 2012, the southeastern coastline of Madagascar prefeasibility studies in Sainte Luce were approximately 45 km north of Tolagnaro, the underway, but due to weaker market urban center of the Anosy region, and comprises three hamlets with a total human population of around 2000 inhabitants (Chef 1. The study area at Sainte Luce: forest fragments S6 de Fokontany, personal communication, 1 & S7 (community use zones), S8 & S17 (Newly June 2012). Sainte Luce is part of the humid Protected Areas formed in 2003) and S9 (QMM bioclimatic zone, as defined by Cornet (1974) conservation zone), note that S17 extends further and Schatz (2000), with relatively constant south than shown; the three hamlets; the river & road. S6 and S7 are situated within the mining area. and high temperatures throughout the year, high annual rainfall and no well-defined dry season. The littoral forest stands over poor, 6 KD 400 sandy soils, in extreme proximity to the coast &RQVHUYDWLRQ=RQH and at a low altitude of 0–20 m. All three hamlets in Sainte Luce – Ambandrika, 6 KD 1HZO\ Ampanasantomboky and Manafiafy – are SURWHFWHG$UHD within a 30-minute walk to the nearest forest 0DQDILDI\ fragment. Fifteen littoral forest fragments

$PSDQDVDWRPERN\ remain in Sainte Luce, in varying degrees of 6 KD $PEDQGULND &RPPXQLW\8VH=RQH degradation, ranging from 1 to 340 hectares :LWKLQPLQLQJ DUHD with a total littoral forest cover area of approximately 1500 hectares (Ramanamanjato

6 KD  2007, Vincelette et al. 2007). 1HZO\3URWHFWHG$UHD Study Species

6 KD Nine of the ten palm species native to Sainte &RPPXQLW\8VH=RQH :LWKLQPLQLQJ Luce were included in the survey (see Table 1). DUHD 6WH The large trichistous arboreal palm /XFH mananjarensis was excluded from the survey, as

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Table 1. The palms of Sainte Luce: the conservation status and distribution according to the IUCN (2012); species highlighted in bold are thought to be introduced to the Sainte Luce area; * Dypsis mananjarensis excluded from survey.

Species Distribution

Beccariophoenix madagascariensis (VU) E Madagascar; between Tolagnaro and Mantadia

Dypsis brevicaulis (CR) SE Madagascar; Tolagnaro region

Dypsis fibrosa (LC) E & NW Madagascar; widespread

Dypsis lutescens (NT) E Madagascar; widespread

Dypsis nodifera (LC) E & NW Madagascar; widespread

Dypsis mananjarensis* (NT) E Madagascar; between Tolagnaro and Ampasimanolotra

Dypsis prestoniana (VU) SE Madagascar; between Mahanoro and Tolagnaro

Dypsis psammophila (EN) SE & NE Madagascar; littoral forests and lowland humid evergreen forests (e.g. Tsitongambarika)

Dypsis saintelucei (EN) E Madagascar; SE littoral forests, Vondrozo, Vatovavy, south of Toamasina

Dypsis scottiana (VU) SE Madagascar; between Tolagnaro and Farafangana

Raphia farinifera Tropical Africa, N & E Madagascar

Ravenea sambiranensis (LC) E, W & NW Madagascar

Cocos nucifera Pantropical only three individuals have ever been located species are presented in alphabetical order in the area according to local reports and according to their scientific name with the extensive explorations by Azafady researchers. vernacular name(s) provided in brackets. However, some observations of D. Preliminary interviews found that it was mananjarensis are provided. In addition, the difficult to discern whether the interviewee’s pantropical coconut ( Cocos nucifera ), Dypsis answers referred to common uses or personal lutescens and Raphia farinifera are not included, use. Therefore, it was decided that the as they are found outside the littoral forest investigation would focus on common village and are considered introduced to the area. uses rather than person specific uses. Indeed, Survey distinguishing between knowledge of common uses and actual uses in the community is Between April and May 2012, 54 semi- important – some applications that are structured interviews (six for each species) were common knowledge may be historical and no conducted with 21 different interviewees. All longer applied today. To address this, interviewees were male (age range 25–67) and observations of palm harvest and use by were resident in Sainte Luce. Two survey households were recorded between February approaches were adopted; pre-arranged 2011 and July 2012 to confirm which interviews with local people and opportunistic applications were current and to gauge the interviews carried out with local people frequency of use by the community. encountered in the forest. For both approaches, an adult and a juvenile of the Previous studies have shown that local palm species was visited in S7, S8 or S9 with knowledge of resource availability can reveal the interviewee, the primary researcher, a changes in actual resource abundance (Gadgil Malagasy translator and a local guide. et al. 1993, Duffield et al. 1998). The survey Depending on time availability, one to four therefore asked interviewees whether they had species were visited with each interviewee. The perceived any changes in the availability of

135 PALM S Hogg et al.: Palms of Sainte Luce Vol. 57(3) 2013 the species in question over the last 20 years. but are examined in greater detail, along with For some of the younger interviewees, the observations of palm harvest and use, in the question was rephrased to account for changes Discussion section. over the last ten years. RESULTS Ecology and Conservation Beccariophoenix madagacascariensis (Boaka- Information on local distribution, habitat mainty or Lafa) preference, morphology and life history were recorded between February 2011 and July 2012 Beccariophoenix madagascariensis has fewer than in forest fragments S6, S7, S8, S9 and S17, and 50 known adults and fewer than 300 juveniles are presented in the Results section in remaining in the area, with the largest correlation with the survey findings. Concerns subpopulations located in S6/S7 and S8. for conservation of palm species in Sainte Luce Several adults have survived tavy practices and are briefly touched upon in the Results section now stand outside the forest edge (Fig. 2).

2. Beccariophoenix madagascariensis standing in a tavy field near to the southern edge of forest fragment S8 (Photograph by David Meyer).

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However, seedlings require forest interiors and found nestled within the crown (Fig. 3). Habit: well-drained soils with generous canopy cover both solitary and clustering (<6 stems). Trunk: for survival. either hidden underground or exposed and up to 2 m in length. Fruit 1-seeded, ovoid, ca. 12 Uses: At present, the local community does × 7 mm, red at maturity (Fig. 4). Seed elongate, not frequently use B. madagascariensis : ca. 11 × 5 mm, endosperm homogeneous. however, applications remain diverse. The Morphological details recorded from fibrous leaf rachis of juveniles and sub-adult individuals at S8. trees are harvested at the base, stripped longitudinally and woven into lobster traps. Conservation Concerns: No immediate However, the durability of the lobster trap is threats at Sainte Luce, although further poor and a possible reason as to why other explorations are needed to determine its exact species (e.g. D. scottiana, D. saintelucei and D. local distribution. prestoniana ) are selected more regularly for this Dypsis fibrosa (Boakandambo or Palima ) purpose. The long majestic leaves, typical of individuals during sub-adult stages of In Sainte Luce, Dypsis fibrosa commonly development, are sometimes cultural inhabits riparian zones with well-saturated ornaments during ceremonies. The strong, soils, and is found across all major fragments dead leaf rachises are cut from the adult tree (S6, S7, S8 and S9) except for the coastal S17 prior to abscission for a carrying implement, forest. Local knowledge on this species appears known locally as bao . Several interviewees also to be limited. mentioned historical uses such as making Uses: Over half the interviewees were unable beehives and flooring from trunk sections. to name the species, and no interviewees gave Availability: Decrease (3 respondants out of 6), any local uses. At other locations along the No change (2/6), Increase (1/6) east coast, Dypsis fibrosa is an important forest resource for weaving products such as basketry Life History: Beetles have been observed and thatch (Byg & Baslev 2001). However in predating young fruit. Sainte Luce, like most villages across Anosy, Conservation Concerns: The need to protect the community uses mahampy reeds Lepironia this species appears to be common local mucronata (Cyperaceae) for basketry and the knowledge, in all likelihood due to educational leaves of ravinala , Ravenala madagascariensis programs by local NGOs and independent (Strelitziaceae), for roofing. researchers raising awareness. Harvesting and Availability: No change (6/6). use is very rare. QMM and Azafady are cultivating seedlings in Sainte Luce. Life History: None available. Dypsis brevicaulis Conservation Concerns: No immediate threats at Sainte Luce. This incredibly rare dwarf palm is restricted to the littoral forests of Sainte Luce, the lowland Dypsis nodifera (Raobe) humid evergreen forests of Tsitongambarika Dypsis nodifera seems to have similar habitat and an area just south of Manantenina (J. preferences to D. fibros a – alongside riparian Dransfield, personal communication, 10 Nov. habitats and preferring good shading. This 2011). Unexpectedly, preliminary census slender palm is found in all major forest efforts in a 10-hectare section of forest fragments (S6, S7, S8, S9 and S17) in Sainte fragment S8 have revealed high densities (more Luce. Juveniles can be confused for raotry (D. than 400 adults) and interesting scottiana ) however the larger stature (DBH 5–7 morphological details (see below). Dypsis cm) of sub-adults/adults is unmistakable. Some brevicaulis is known from two major forest local people differentiate these two species fragments in Sainte Luce; S8 (protected area) more accurately by examining the leaves; D. and S7 (within the mining area) and occupies nodifera possesses more strongly grouped and well-drained soils and tolerates low canopy arcuate leaflets than D. scottiana . cover. Its distribution could possibly extend to other fragments too. Uses: The local uses of D. nodifera are diverse. The fruit (ellipsoid, green ripening to yellow) Uses: No local names or uses for this species is consumed as a snack. Stems of more supple were mentioned during the surveys. juveniles are stripped length ways to weave Life History/Morphology: Eggs of Phelsuma lobster traps. The stiffer stems of adults are spp., possibly Phelsuma quadriocellata, were cloven in two and sharpened to pierce together

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3 (top). Eggs of Phelsuma sp. found in the crown of Dypsis brevicaulis in S8. 4 (bottom) Fruit of Dypsis brevicaulis . (Photographs by David Meyer) the petioles of Ravenala madagascariensis in limited signs of regeneration apparent. Recent wall construction (known as manohy falafa ) observations by Azafady have confirmed that for local housing. Fishermen use the mature D. mananjarensis is also found in higher stems to increase the wall-height of sea-bearing numbers at Farafara-Vatambe, a village located pirogues (dug-out canoes); these stems are near to Tsitongambarika forest (approximately long-lasting and do not often need replacing. 25 km west of Sainte Luce). The leaflets of juveniles and sub-adults are Dypsis prestoniana (Boakabe - adults, Boaka foraged and brewed into tea by local healers - juveniles ) for treating tonporaza , a disease with similar symptoms to epilepsy. Dypsis prestoniana is distributed across all major fragments (S6, S7, S8, S9 and S17) with the Availability: No change (5/6), Decrease (1/6) largest population lying in the northern parts Life History : None available. of S9 and possibly southern S7. Habitat preferences vary, although well-drained Conservation Concerns: Dypsis nodifera is still interior soils and generous canopy cover fairly abundant across Sainte Luce; however, appear most advantageous. the recent increase in targeted extraction may be a cause for concern in the future. The Uses: The leaf rachises of all age cohorts (2–3 m juveniles most frequently) are used to Dypsis mananjarensis fashion lobster traps. The trunk is sectioned, One sub-adult can be found in a tavy field to cloven and the soft core left to decompose the southwest of S8 and two adults can be seen before flattening into flooring for construction in the western sub-fragments of S8 with (very rare). Similarly to B. madagascariensis , the

138 PALM S Hogg et al.: Palms of Sainte Luce Vol. 57(3) 2013 majestic leaves of large sub-adults are sometimes used as cultural ornaments at ceremonies and festivities. Dead abscised leaf sheaths of large adults are used as shoulder padding by lumberjacks when carrying planked timber. Availability: No change (4/6), Decrease (2/6) Life History: Massive infructescences bear an important food source for the red-collared brown lemurs ( Eulemur collaris ) during the lean season. Conservation Concerns: As mentioned previously, the largest population of adults is located to the north of S9, a QMM conservation zone, which provides some security for the species at Sainte Luce. However, non-timber forest products, like the leaf rachis of juvenile D. prestoniana , are regularly harvested at S9. Dypsis psammophila (Hanjo) Currently absent from the species list for the area (see Rabenantoandro et al. 2007a), D. 5. Lobster traps (at right) made of Dypsis scottiana psammophila is abundant across the northern (Photograph by Naidi McDonnell). reaches of S9 and throughout S8, S7 and possibly S6. As suggested by its etymology pot,’ presumably because of its edible palm (sand-loving), this palm prefers sandy, well- heart. Previously thought to be restricted to drained soils and tolerates high sun exposure. the littoral forests of Sainte Luce, D. saintelucei has since been found in other areas further up Uses: Its most common use is to combine the east coast (J. Dransfield, personal petioles of Ravenala madagascariensis together communication, 10 Nov. 2011). Today, the in wall construction for housing. As with D. largest populations of D. saintelucei in Sainte nodifera , the more mature, stiffer stems are Luce are found in S7, followed by S8, and selected, split and sharpened to a point, which although juveniles are relatively abundant in are then pierced through multiple R. S9, only one mature individual is known. This madagascariensis petioles to create a wall panel. palm prefers medium soil saturation and Observations suggest that D. psammophila is generous canopy cover, especially for younger becoming more frequently used for this individuals. Older individuals occupying drier, purpose, as adult D. nodifera and D. scottiana more exposed areas are often stunted and stems are becoming increasingly difficult to display poor vigor in the crown. find. Uses: Palm hearts, tavolo , were more Life History: The locally endemic and commonly harvested in the past (before ca. Critically Endangered day gecko, Phelsuma 1985) when the adult trees were more antanosy , has been observed frequently on this abundant and during times of food insecurity. palm, which appears to be an important Several interviewees recalled that only a few foraging microhabitat for this gecko species households possessed the skills for harvesting (Azafady, unpublished data). Local people have the bitter palm heart, and the study revealed observed flying foxes, Pteropus rufus , feeding on that this practice has been discontinued by the fruit. the younger generation. In terms of current Availability: No change (5/6), Decrease (1/6) usages, the leaf rachises of juveniles (most commonly), sub-adults and adults are Conservation Concern: No immediate threats harvested and woven into lobster traps. Other at Sainte Luce. applications include the use of trunks for Dypsis saintelucei (Telopoloambilany) flooring but this seems to be very uncommon. Dypsis saintelucei is locally named Life History: No observations of any seed telopoloambilany, ‘thirty trees to fill a cooking dispersers. Seeds commonly land and

139 PALM S Hogg et al.: Palms of Sainte Luce Vol. 57(3) 2013 germinate at the base of the parent tree. Bees hard to find, making seed collection have been seen frequenting inflorescences of challenging. Cultivation research and a species trees in forest fragment S7. recovery plan are needed. Availability: Decrease (6/6) Ravenea sambiranensis (Vakapasy) Conservation Concerns: Adults are being lost This medium to large dioecious palm is to habitat destruction from tavy and relatively low in abundance throughout forest occasionally for lobster trap or construction fragments S6, S7, S8 and S9. It has not been materials. There is widespread evidence of reported from or observed in S17. It occupies rachis harvesting of juveniles despite reports a range of habitat types from swamp areas to of low frequency of use, which may be dry, well drained soils. As inferred by the impacting the growth and development of this interviews, it is highly likely that a large younger age cohort. Trunk axe marks (for proportion of the local community are unable testing maturity) may be correlated with the to identify it as a separate species from other prevalence of a soft rot. The potential loss of large palms, especially B. madagascariensis . S6 and S7 to mining is of major concern the Uses: Leaf rachises of juvenile R. sambiranensis future of this emblematic species at Sainte are harvested for lobster trap weaving Luce . Azafady and QMM cultivate this species materials, but used infrequently in comparison at tree nurseries based in Sainte Luce. to other palm species. Two older interviewees Dypsis scottiana (Raotry/Raotsy - adults, mentioned the use of the trunk to make Amboza – juveniles ) sharpened spears for protection when travelling; indeed, the trunk is remarkably Dypsis scottiana is located in all major forest strong and resistant to axe damage. A large fragments occupying a range of habitat types, population of R. sambiranensis is situated 29 including dry forest edges and moist interior km southwest, near the village of Mahialambo. patches. Of all the palms, immature D. scottiana , locally known as amboza , is possibly Availability : Decrease (3/6), No Change (3/6) the most frequently utilized in Sainte Luce. Life History: None available. The Uses: The stems of this threatened Conservation Concerns: Low density, clustering palm are cut at ground level and increasing fragmentation/habitat destruction just below the oldest petiole, stripped and the recent extraction of juveniles for longitudinally and woven into lobster traps lobster traps may be compounded by its (Fig. 5). Adult stems are used in a similar dioecious habit. fashion to those of D. nodifera and D. psammophila – to pierce and combine R. DISCUSSION madagascariensis stems for wall construction Vernacular-Scientific Name Correspondence (the panels are known locally as manohy falafa ) Indigenous Malagasy criteria for naming are (Fig. 6), the slight difference being that the often based on appearance, physical properties stems of D. scottiana are thin enough (<4 cm and applications of the plant (Randriatafika & DBH) to be used whole rather than split in Rabenantoandro 2007). Interestingly, two. According to the survey, D. scottiana is immature D. scottiana is differentiated from the first choice material for this common wall- mature individuals by name ( amboza and raotry building technique, although scarcity has respectively), presumably due to the prompted diversification to other slender differences in their applications ( amboza – palms for this purpose ( D. nodifera and D. lobster traps, raotry – construction material). psammophila ). As with D. nodifera , timber The survey did not reveal local names for panels are bound to the side of the pirogues either D. brevicaulis or D. fibrosa . Local names with adult D. scottiana (raotry ) stems to increase for palm species may be different between the height of pirogue sidewalls to reduce neighboring communities, for example, people seawater spilling over during rough conditions. from the mountain village Volobe, 20 km to Availability. Decrease (6/6) the west of Sainte Luce, refer to R. sambiranensis as anivo . It is therefore important Life History: None available. to note that the vernacular-scientific name Conservation Concerns: The combination of correspondence outlined in this paper is only extraction for manohy falafa and lobster traps relevant within the community of Sainte Luce, has critically reduced numbers in Sainte Luce. and should be verified by scientific Sexually mature individuals are increasingly identification whenever possible.

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6. Dypsis scottiana stems being used to make wall panels (Photograph by Naidi McDonnell).

Palm Harvest and Application weak when woven from dried materials and according to the fishermen sharp edges Diversification of Material Use for Lobster Traps damaged the lobsters (Rabenantoandro et al. Palms are an essential part of the economics 2007b). of the lobster trade as they provide the Although traders continue to bring a declining materials for trap construction. At present, the reserve of Flagellaria indica from the fishermen are able to use seven species of palm Tsitongambarika forests (25 km to the west), to weave traps – the most economically the community of Sainte Luce have diversified significant application of palms by people in their material usage to other forest resources. Sainte Luce. Palms, primarily D. scottiana , now constitute Lobster is a top commercial export for the the majority of traps woven in Sainte Luce; Anosy region and productive fishing centers however, it must be noted that Ravenala such as Sainte Luce have attracted a growing madagascariensis is a regular alternative migrant population to join the cottage material too (Shrum et al., in review). To make industry. This population increase, combined one trap, which lasts a maximum of three with the average regional population growth, weeks in good sea conditions, twenty stems places enormous pressure on high preference of D. scottiana (amboza ) are required (Shrum et lobster trap materials. Prior to ca. 1990, the al. in review). Hundreds of fishermen using liana Flagellaria indica (Flagellariaceae) , known up to ten traps each at any one time, locally as vahipiky , was the most frequently throughout the ten-month fishing season, used material for constructing lobster traps constituting a huge annual demand (Shrum and is now at the brink of extirpation in Sainte et al. in review). This coupled with the use of Luce. In an effort to resolve this problem, adult D. scottiana (raotry ) for the common wall cultivation trials by Rabenantoandro et al. construction technique, manohy falafa , is (2007b) found that the liana is easily rapidly exhausting the Sainte Luce population. propagated from seed (rather than cuttings) When asked about changes in resource but found that its slow growth rate would availability over time, all interviewees had hinder its effectiveness as a long-term solution. noticed a decrease in the availability of D. Other natural materials have been tested in scottiana . This is a priority species for both the area, including a Bamboo species, Bambusa conservation and natural resource manage- multiplex (Poaceae), but traps proved to be very ment at Sainte Luce.

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The Juvenilization of Palm Populations findings, two harvesting practices are followed; only some of the stems are taken to promote The juvenilization of populations through stem regeneration, or every stem is cut, often intensive rachis pruning has been observed in leading to plant death. Indeed, some stems useful palm species (Dransfield & Beentje may be left if they are unsuitable for the 1995). At Sainte Luce, D. saintelucei may be purpose required, but there is evidence to one palm subject to this process. Typically, of suggest that some fishermen adjust their juveniles, the youngest developing leaf shoot harvesting practices in an attempt to manage is left untouched during rachis harvesting for valued natural resources. The exact socio- making lobster traps. It can be assumed that economic parameters that influence which in some cases the youngest is left intact groups of people follow which practice are because its small size is unsuitable for the unknown. However, immigrants to Sainte Luce purpose; however, some interviewees stated are perceived by the native people to be less that this was a practice to maintain resource sensitive to the traditional set of rules (the availability. Indeed, rachis harvesting is not dina ), which aim to promote the sustainable fatal to the individual but may be preserving and fair use of both forest and marine the population in a quasi-juvenile state, resources. possibly explaining the demographic imbalance of D. saintelucei in Sainte Luce Potential Impacts of Mining on Palm (Azafady unpublished data). Populations and Resource Availability Other arboreal and solitary palm species ( D. QMM is committed to achieving a net positive prestoniana, R. sambiranensis ) have been impact on biodiversity (NPI) whilst taking into subjected to an increased frequency of rachis account the needs and rights of the local Anosy harvesting of juvenile individuals for lobster communities bordering the project zone, traps over the last seven to ten years. Some Sainte Luce. However, the expected loss of interviewees did comment on this several large community use zones to mining, diversification in material use, stating that the primarily S6 and S7, will directly impact depletion of D. scottiana and the absence of F. immediate local resource availability and palm indica the main contributing factors. Assessing population biology at Sainte Luce. optimal rachis harvesting has been done with other useful palms in Madagascar, such as Forest fragment S8 has been a protected area (Ratsirarson et al. 1996), and since 2003 and lies outside the designated could be considered with D. saintelucei . mining area. This fragment is an important location for the palm flora of Sainte Luce, with At present, the harvest of mature adult arboreal all ten species present. However, despite falling palms ( B. madagascariensis, D. prestoniana, D. under the responsibility of the “ Communauté saintelucei and R. sambiranensis ) is very de Base ” (CoBa, or local forest management uncommon; however, the felling of several committee), areas of S8 continue to be adult D. prestoniana (in S9) and D. saintelucei degraded and lost to prohibited activities. In (in S7) for house construction was observed recent years, the Sainte Luce CoBa has been between the period of February 2011 and July largely non-functional, non-representative and 2012. Adult D. saintelucei have also been cut lacked the support of the local community. down to access the crown for weaving lobster This may change following recent elections traps in S7. These people were probably from and ongoing institutional capacity building villages outside Sainte Luce (Ebakika, Tsiharoa by QMM; however, capacity and transparency or Mahatalaky) highlighting the need to issues with CoBas seem to be persistent and encompass outlying resource-dependent island-wide (see Hockley & Andriama- communities in conservation, resource rovololona 2007). management and awareness raising initiatives. The main community use zones, forest Stem Collection of Clustering Palms fragments S6 and S7, represent a significant Stems of the more slender clustering palms D. proportion of Sainte Luce’s palm flora but are scottiana and D. psammophila (and D. nodifera within the mining area. These fragments are which sometimes exhibits a clustering habit) home to the largest population of D. saintelucei are used in the common wall construction (with over 100 adults recorded), the second technique, manohy falafa, and for other largest population of B. madagacariensis, the purposes such as pirogue modification. Critically Endangered D. brevicaulis and the According to field observations and survey Endangered D. psammophila (IUCN 2012,

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Azafady, unpublished data) . In addition, S7 is lobster traps should be investigated further, an important collection site for D. scottiana involving the meaningful participation of local and other species used for lobster traps. The fishermen at every stage of the process. A loss of S6 and S7 will place massive pressure functional community-based institution (CoBa on S8 to continue contributing palm resources or other) must be in place to manage existing to local livelihoods whilst maintaining viable forest resources, support sustainable extraction populations for the area as a whole. S9 (QMM of resources at the conservation zone (S9) and conservation zone) and S17 (Protected Area) protected areas (S8, S17), and monitor overall are largely lacking in palm diversity and habitat protection. We hope that this report density but may be important locations to contributes in some way to the conservation consider for in situ conservation measures. of these beautiful in their natural habitat. Recommendations Acknowledgments Further research is needed to determine the exact palm distribution and population We would like to thank the interviewees, Aimé sizes/trends of all threatened palm species and Rivo, all Azafady’s ACP volunteers across the different forest fragments at Sainte involved, local guides (Solo, Babaly, Altere and Luce. The likely inclusion of S6 and S7 in the Ranjiva), Vayah and Eva, Sosony at the Azafady mining path strongly necessitates the community tree nursery, Foara (Chef de sustainable (community-based) management Fokontany) and the community of Sainte Luce. of S8’s natural resources and habitat, with We are very grateful to John Dransfield for effective population (participatory) monitoring sharing so much expertise on Malagasy palms, and possible population reinforcements. The Mark Jacobs, Laura Robson, Gemma Holloway QMM conservation zone, S9, will offer the best and Jo Coxall for reviewing the paper, and protection for all flora and fauna in Sainte David Meyer and Naidi McDonnell for their Luce, and could play an important role in wonderful photography work. We would also species recovery plans. As a priority, the like to extend our gratitude to the QMM investigation and application of alternative Biodiversity team and their vital work across materials for lobster traps is essential for both the Tolagnaro region. palm and overall habitat conservation in LITERATURE CITED Sainte Luce. BYG , A. AND H. B ASLEV . 2001. Diversity and use CONCLUSIONS of palms in Zahamena, eastern Madagascar. Palms are among the most widely utilized Biodiversity and Conservation 10: 951–970. plants in Sainte Luce. Their applications are CONSIGLIO ,T., G.E. S HATZ , G. M CPHERSON , P.P. diverse: fishing tackle, medicine, house and LOWRY , J. R ABENANTOANDRO , Z. R OGERS , R. pirogue construction, food, utensils and RABEVOHITRA AND D. R ABEHEVITRA . 2006. cultural ornaments. Fabricating lobster traps is Deforestation and plant diversity of currently the most frequent and economically Madagascar’s littoral forests. Conservation important local application of palms, Biology 20: 1799–1803. employing seven of the ten species native to Sainte Luce. However, unsustainable extraction CORNET , A . 1974. Essai de cartographie is depleting palm populations. Most urgently, bioclimatique à Madagascar. Notice Dypsis scottiana appears to be facing a similar explicative No 55, ORSTOM, Paris. path to extirpation as the previously utilized DRANSFIELD , J. AND H. B EENTJE . 1995. The Palms Flagellaria indica . Intensive rachis harvesting of Madagascar. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew of juvenile D. saintelucei , and potentially other and the International Palm Society. solitary arboreal palms, may be causing the juvenilization of the population. DRANSFIELD , J. AND M. R AKOTOARINIVO . 2012. The palms of Tsitongambarika, southeast Rapid human population increase is placing Madagascar. Palms 56: 162–179 further pressure on the littoral forest to contribute natural resources, like palms, to DUFFIELD , C., J.S. G ARDNER , F. B ERKES AND R.B. local livelihoods at Sainte Luce. Mining at SINGH . 1998. Local knowledge in the locations known to support high palm assessment of resource sustainability in densities, reducing palm population size and Himachal Pradesh, India, and British extent, may compound this issue. Nursery- Columbia, Canada. Mountain Research and reared or alternative resources for fabricating Development 18: 35–49.

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