THE FORGOTTEN FISH OF THE WORLD

The 23 February 2021, the WWF has released a report "The Forgotten Fish of the World". This report shows that almost a third of the world's freshwater fish species are threatened with extinction. Madagascar, two endemic freshwater fish have disappeared.

Why these disappearances ?

It is often because of the construction of dams on the rivers to drain the wetlands. There is also the withdrawal of too much water for irrigation. Then the release of too much untreated waste, unsustainable fisheries. The introduction of invasive species and non-native species are also the causes. And last but not least : worsening effects of climate change.

The forgotten fish of the world – and Madagascar

According to The report “The forgotten fish of the world”, 80 species of freshwater fish are already extinct in the world, including two in Madagascar : the Ptychochromis onilay (Kotro) and the Pantanodon madagascariensis, registered in the IUCN red list en 2016.

2 Madagascar endemic freshwater fish

• The Ptychochromis onilay

It was an endemic fish of southwestern Madagascar. He lived in the Onilahy river, influential in the protected area of ​​Amoron’i Onilahy. Despite several recent visits to the region, this species has not been recorded since 1962. Moreover, it was on this date that the only five known specimens were collected..

They represent the only known material collected from the Onilahy River.. It is classified as extinct by the IUCN. You should know that its initial classification was made before its official description. It was therefore listed under the temporary name of Ptychochromis sp.

The causes of its disappearance are the destruction of their habitats due to deforestation, competition with other introduced fish species including Tilapias and overfishing. Indeed, more resistant and more resilient fish like Tilapia invade the living areas of the Ptychorochromis o., which has a negative impact on their development and has undoubtedly contributed to their extinction.
The different lakes, Marsh, the Onilahy river, the forests bordering the river, the wetlands in the Amoron’i Onilahy protected area form the Onilahy Ramsar site. He houses 27 mammal species ; 56 species of reptiles, 79 bird species including waterfowl ; and the type of fish Southern Allenbatrachus, also listed on the IUCN Red List. These wetlands have always been threatened by deforestation (for agriculture and charcoal production).

• Pantanodon madagascariensis

As to the Pantanodon madagascariensis, it was an endemic fish of eastern Madagascar, rivers on the eastern slopes between Mahavelona and Fenoarivo and in the district of Fénérive Est.

The reasons for its extinction are the destruction of wetlands, converted into rice paddies as well as competition with other species in the same habitat whose Gambia, which is an introduced species.

As fresh waters and the species in them disappear, there is dysfunction of freshwater ecosystems in the world. We know that fresh water is a source of drinking water, and irrigate our agricultural fields. Healthy freshwater ecosystems are also key to fighting climate change through carbon storage functions. In terms of production, Africa represented 25 % of freshwater fish production recorded worldwide, either 3 million tons (FAO 2020).

What are the possible solutions ?

The solution recommended in the "The World's Forgotten Fish" report is to implement an emergency recovery plan for freshwater biodiversity, developed by scientists and freshwater experts around the world.

This approach should include the following pillars :

• allow rivers to flow more naturally,
• improve the quality of fresh water,
• protect and restore critical habitats,
• end overfishing and unsustainable practices,
• prevent and control invasions by non-native species and protect free-flowing rivers,
• and remove obsolete dams.

(Source : WWF Madagascar – 23/02/2021)

Concerned about the environment and sustainable development, Coco Lodge Majunga encourages us to preserve the unique biodiversity of Madagascar.

By #CocoLodgeMajunga

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• One organizer of events and conferences with 3 meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 90 people. We can receive themed lunch/dinner, engagement, wedding, anniversary, boy-girl stag, marriage proposal, …
• A travel and tourism services company (License C),
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