Madagascar has been grappling with significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident reported on November 2, 2024, as a fire alert in the Alaotra-Mangoro region. The island nation, known for its unique biodiversity, has seen a net change in tree cover characterized by a 5.89% decrease, equating to a net loss of over 1 million hectares. The predominant driver of this deforestation has been shifting agriculture, contributing to the vast majority of tree cover loss. While the area maintains a tree cover extent of over 17 million hectares, the persistent loss poses a threat to the ecological balance and habitats within the region. The recent fire incident, although isolated, adds to the ongoing environmental challenges faced by the country.
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