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Three new species, Coenosia circuita sp. n., Coenosia grunowiana sp. n. and Coenosia neaurifa sp. n. are described from Madagascar as new to science. The identification key to the species of the Afrotropical group “Coenosia” created in 1940 by Van Emden has been updated and considers now 14 species.

Plague is a zoonotic disease caused by Yersinia pestis, and it is endemic in Madagascar. The plague cycle involves wild and commensal rodents and their fleas; humans are an accidental host. Madagascar is the country where plague burden is the highest. Plague re-emerged in Mahajanga, the western coast of Madagascar, in the 1990s and infected populations in the popular and insalubrious zones. Sanitation is considered a primary barrier to infection by excluding pathogens from the environment and reservoirs. Poor housing and hygiene and proximity to rodents and fleas in everyday life are major and unchanged risk factors of plague. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of sanitation on Yersinia pestis bacteria in human and small mammal reservoirs and flea vectors. This study was conducted on 282 households within 14 neighborhoods. Two sessions of sampling were conducted in 2013 and 2016. Small mammals were trapped inside and around houses using live traps. Fleas, blood and spleen were sampled to detect Y. pestis infection and antibodies and determine the level of plague circulation before and after the installation of sanitation in order to assess the impact of sanitation improvement on inhabitant health. Two major types of housing can be described, i.e., formal and informal (traditional), scattered in all the suburbs. Among the small mammals captured, 48.5% were Suncus murinus, and 70% of houses were infested. After sanitation, only 30% of houses remained infested, and most of them were located around the market. Fleas were mostly Xenopsylla cheopis. Before and after intervention, the overall prevalence of fleas was the same (index 4.5) across the 14 suburbs. However, the number of houses with fleas drastically decreased, and the flea index increased significantly in rodent-infested houses. Rodent abundance also decreased from 17.4% to 6.1% before and after intervention, respectively. A serology study highlights that plague is still circulating in Mahajanga, suggesting that small mammals maintain enzootic plague transmission in the city.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. The country’s extreme weather conditions, poor sanitation, and weak economy facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases. Infections with intestinal parasites are particularly dangerous for children because they can cause malnutrition and anemia, which, in turn, have a negative effect on children’s cognitive functions and physical development. The aim of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of intestinal parasites and to assess hematological parameters in a group of children living in northern Madagascar. The screening was conducted in May 2024 in the Clinique Medicale Beyzym in Manerinerina, the Ambatoboeny district. It involved a sample of 208 children aged 0–17 years. Single stool samples were collected from all study participants. The samples were fixed in SAF fixative and then transported from Africa to Europe for further diagnostics at the Department of Epidemiology and Tropical Medicine, the Military Institute of Medicine–the National Research Institute in Poland. First, the samples were analyzed by light microscopy methods using three different diagnostic techniques (direct smear, decantation with distilled water, and the Fülleborn method). Next, they were tested by molecular biology methods (real-time PCR). Blood samples for the assessment of hematological parameters were collected at the healthcare center in Madagascar. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in the study sample was 61.5%. Helminths were found in 15.2% of the investigated children, and Giardia intestinalis (20.5%) was found to be the most prevalent parasite in the study population. Most infections were caused by potentially pathogenic stramenopila Blastocystis spp. (32.0%). Mean Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC levels in the study participants were below normal values. However, no correlation was found between the presence of a parasitic infection and low hematological parameters, which are a clinical sign of anemia. High rates of infections with intestinal parasites in children living in northern Madagascar support the necessity to introduce long-term preventive measures, which would limit the spread of parasitic diseases in the Malagasy population. Low hematological parameters in non-infected children may be indicative of persistent malnutrition or infection with other parasites, e.g., malaria or schistosomiasis.

Malnutrition is a major concern in Madagascar. Eating a wide variety of nutritious food is necessary because Malagasy diets heavily rely on rice consumption. This study explored the barriers to dietary change towards diversification from the perspective of consumer behaviour. We analysed the impact of risk and time preferences on dietary diversity using economic experiments conducted with 539 rural lowland rice farmers in Central Highlands in Madagascar. The results showed that risk-averse or impatient individuals were more likely to have lower Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), indicating poorer diet quality. Risk-averse people may not want to add different foods to meals as they perceive unfamiliar food as a ‘risk’; people who prefer immediate gratification may fail to invest in nutritious diets now to achieve better health in the future. Additionally, higher HDDS was observed among households with a female head who earned off-farm income and who had frequent market visits. These findings contribute to explaining the limited shift in nutritional transition in Madagascar and provide useful insights into nutritional policies promoting healthier food choices. Depending on the preferences, more focused support such as nutritional education, financial support, market development, and pre-commitment mechanisms could be provided to reward long-term nutritional benefits.

In this work, we performed a preliminary molecular analysis and a comparative cytogenetic study on 5 different species of Malagasy chameleons of the genus Brookesia (B. superciliaris) and Furcifer (F. balteautus, F. petteri, F. major and F. minor). A DNA barcoding analysis was first carried out on the study samples using a fragment of the mitochondrial gene coding for the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) in order to assess the taxonomic identity of the available biological material. Subsequently, we performed on the studied individuals a chromosome analysis with standard karyotyping (5% Giemsa solution at pH 7) and sequential C-banding + Giemsa, + CMA3, and + DAPI. The results obtained indicate that the studied species are characterized by a different chromosome number and a variable heterochromatin content and distribution, with or without differentiated sex chromosomes. In particular, B. superciliaris (2n = 36) and F. balteatus (2n = 34) showed a similar karyotype with 6 macro- and 12–11 microchromosome pairs, without differentiated sex chromosomes. In turn, F. petteri, F. major, and F. minor showed a karyotype with a reduced chromosome number (2n = 22–24) and a differentiated sex chromosome system with female heterogamety (ZZ/ZW). Adding our newly generated data to those available from the literature, we highlight that the remarkable chromosomal diversification of the genus Furcifer was likely driven by non-homologous chromosome fusions, including autosome–autosome, Z–autosome, and W–autosome fusions. The results of this process resulted in a progressive reduction in the chromosome number and partially homologous sex chromosomes of different shapes and sizes.

In 2020, the World Health Organization estimated that in Madagascar there were 238 cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection per 100,000 persons, but fewer than half of infected persons were [...]

Introduction: One-third of the human population consumes insufficient zinc (Zn) to sustain a healthy life. Zn deficiency can be relieved by increasing the Zn concentration ([Zn]) in staple food crops through biofortification breeding. Rice is a poor source of Zn, and in countries predominantly relying on rice without sufficient dietary diversification, such as Madagascar, Zn biofortification is a priority. Methods: Multi-environmental trials were performed in Madagascar over two years, 2019 and 2020, to screen a total of 28 genotypes including local and imported germplasm. The trials were conducted in the highlands of Ankazomiriotra, Anjiro, and Behenji and in Morovoay, a location representative of the coastal ecosystem. Contributions of genotype (G), environment (E), and G by E interactions (GEIs) were investigated. Result: The grain [Zn] of local Malagasy rice varieties was similar to the internationally established grain [Zn] baseline of 18-20 mg/g for brown rice. While several imported breeding lines reached 50% of our breeding target set at +12 mg/g, only few met farmers' appreciation criteria. Levels of grain [Zn] were stable across E. The G effects accounted for a main fraction of the variation, 76% to 83% of the variation for year 1 and year 2 trials, respectively, while GEI effects were comparatively small, contributing 23% to 9%. This contrasted with dominant E and GEI effects for grain yield. Our results indicate that local varieties tested contained insufficient Zn to alleviate Zn malnutrition, and developing new Zn-biofortified varieties should therefore be a priority. GGE analysis did not distinguish mega-environments for grain [Zn], whereas at least three mega-environments existed for grain yield, differentiated by the presence of limiting environmental conditions and responsiveness to improved soil fertility. Discussion: Our main conclusion reveals that grain [Zn] seems to be under strong genetic control in the agro-climatic conditions of Madagascar. We could identify several interesting genotypes as potential donors for the breeding program, among those BF156, with a relatively stable grain [Zn] (AMMI stability value (ASV) = 0.89) reaching our target (>26 mg/g). While selection for grain yield, general adaptation, and farmers' appreciation would have to rely on multi-environment testing, selection for grain [Zn] could be centralized in earlier generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ankarafantsika National Park (ANP), the last significant remnant of Northwestern Madagascar's tropical dry forests, is facing rapid degradation due to increased incidences of fire. This poses severe threats to biodiversity, local livelihoods, and vital ecosystem services. Our study, conducted on 3,052-ha of ANP's pristine forests, employed advanced remote-sensing techniques to assess fire impacts during the past 37 years. Our aims were to understand historical fire patterns and evaluate forest recovery and susceptibility to repeated fires following initial burns. Using data from multiple Landsat satellite sensors, we constructed a time series of fire events since 1985, which revealed no fire activity before 2014. The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) lidar sensor data were used to observe forest structure in both post-fire areas and undisturbed zones for comparison. We recorded six fire incidents from 2014–2021, during which the fire-affected area exponentially grew. A significant fire incident in October 2021 impacted 1,052 hectares, 59% of which had experienced at least one fire in two-to-four years prior, with 60% experiencing two preceding incidents: one in 2017 and another in 2019. The initial fire drastically reduced plant cover and tree height, with subsequent fires causing minor additional loss. Post-fire recovery was negligible within the initial four years, even in patches without recurrent fires. The likelihood for an initial burn to trigger subsequent fires within a few years was high, leading to larger, more severe fires. We conclude that ANP's dry forests exhibit high vulnerability and low resilience to anthropogenic fires. Prompt preventive measures are essential to halt further fire spread and conserve the park's unique and invaluable biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Madagascar exhibits high endemic biodiversity that has evolved with sustained and stable rates of speciation over the past several tens of millions of years. The topography of Madagascar is dominated by a mountainous continental rift escarpment, with the highest plant diversity and rarity found along the steep, eastern side of this geographic feature. Using a process-explicit model, we show that precipitation-driven erosion and landward retreat of this high-relief topography creates transient habitat organization through multiple mechanisms, including catchment expansion, isolation of highland remnants, and formation of topographic barriers. Habitat isolation and reconnection on a million-year timescale serves as an allopatric speciation pump creating the observed biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the pivotal determinants of maternal and neonatal health outcomes hinges on the choice of place of delivery. However, the decision to give birth within the confines of a health facility is shaped by a complex interplay of sociodemographic, economic, cultural, and healthcare system-related factors. This study examined the predictors of health facility delivery among women in Madagascar. Methods: We used data from the 2021 Madagascar Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 9,315 women who had a health facility delivery or delivered elsewhere for the most recent live birth preceding the survey were considered in this analysis. Descriptive analysis, and multilevel regression were carried out to determine the prevalence and factors associated with health facility delivery. The results were presented as frequencies, percentages, crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and a p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of health facility delivery was 41.2% [95% CI: 38.9–43.5%]. In the multilevel analysis, women aged 45–49 [aOR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.34–3.43], those with secondary/higher education [aOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.30–2.01], widowed [aOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.43–3.58], and those exposed to mass media [aOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.00-1.39] had higher odds of delivering in health facilities compared to those aged 15-49, those with no formal education, women who had never been in union and not exposed to mass media respectively. Women with at least an antenatal care visit [aOR = 6.95, 95% CI = 4.95–9.77], those in the richest wealth index [aOR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.99–3.77], and women who considered distance to health facility as not a big problem [aOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.09–1.50] were more likely to deliver in health facilities compared to those who had no antenatal care visit. Women who lived in communities with high literacy levels [aOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.15–2.08], and women who lived in communities with high socioeconomic status [aOR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.28–2.31] had increased odds of health facility delivery compared to those with low literacy levels and in communities with low socioeconomic status respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of health facility delivery among women in Madagascar is low in this study. The findings of this study call on stakeholders and the government to strengthen the healthcare system of Madagascar using the framework for universal health coverage. There is also the need to implement programmes and interventions geared towards increasing health facility delivery among adolescent girls and young women, women with no formal education, and those not exposed to media. Also, consideration should be made to provide free maternal health care and a health insurance scheme that can be accessed by women in the poorest wealth index. Health facilities should be provided at places where women have challenges with distance to other health facilities. Education on the importance of antenatal care visits should also be encouraged, especially among women with low literacy levels and in communities with low socioeconomic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southern Madagascar experienced a prolonged drought over the last five years, but whether these conditions are a manifestation of global climate change has been unclear. Here, we document trends beginning as early as 1980 towards a later rainy-season onset across three distinct remotely sensed indicators: precipitation, soil moisture, and vegetation greenness. All three indicators closely covary, particularly over the last decade when satellite observational resolution and accuracy is greatest. Furthermore, observed soil moisture trends early in the rainy season agree with the mean from CMIP6 historical and SSP5-8.5 simulations, but are distinct from pre-industrial control simulations, implicating anthropogenic changes in radiative forcing as the source of the trends. Physically, these models simulate a poleward migration of the mid-latitude jet that leads to a delay in the seasonal steering of storm tracks over Southern Madagascar. Soil moisture trends driven by anthropogenic forcing made the recent drought significantly more likely over 2017–2022 (p < 0.01), and such droughts are expected to become increasingly likely over this century. These results indicate that, although Madagascar has not substantially contributed to global greenhouse gas emissions, farmers in Southern Madagascar will need to adapt to drier conditions early in the rainy season as a consequence of global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infrageneric classification of the genus Clerodendrum (Lamiaceae) has been highly problematic due to different concepts and subdivisions being applied to the treatment of Asian, Australian, and African species. Earlier molecular phylogenetic studies based on Sanger sequencing and limited sampling have indicated that previous morphology-based infrageneric classifications are not congruent with the phylogeny due to morphological convergence in many lineages. Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing provide more information allowing more robust phylogenetic reconstruction at larger scale. We present the first comprehensive phylogenetic study of Clerodendrum that includes representatives of all previously recognized infrageneric taxa and using targeted sequencing data obtained from the Angiosperms353 enrichment to resolve the phylogenetic relationships. In agreement with previous phylogenetic work, our phylogeny shows that Asian and Australian species form a sister clade to an African Clade. Clerodendrum is monophyletic with the exclusion of some tropical coastal species, including some Australian species, which fall within a clade containing Volkameria and New World genera. We recognize two subgenera: subgen. Clerodendrum for Asian and Australian species and the new subgen. Afroclerodendrum for African and Malagasy species. Our findings support an infrageneric classification of Clerodendrum with a total of 13 sections based on molecular phylogenetic evidence and morphology that clearly accommodate the Asian, remaining Australian, and African species. Of these, we propose three new sections: sect. Albiflora , sect. Fortunata and sect. Megaflora for clades presenting unique morphological characters. The sectional classification and taxonomic consequences are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ficus trees play an important role as key species in both ecological and sociocultural networks in Madagascar. This study focused on species of isolated Ficus growing in agricultural areas adjoining a forest corridor linking the Ranomafana and Andringitra National Parks in east‐central Madagascar, with the aim of understanding the structural and floristic characteristics of the vegetation regenerating under these Ficus ‘trees outside forests’. Two main aspects were studied: (1) the characteristics of the habitats under the crown of isolated Ficus species (Ficus tiliifolia, Ficus reflexa and Ficus lutea), and (2) the specific structure and composition of the vegetation under these Ficus trees: minimum area, species richness, floristic regularity, diversity and similarity, biological type, vegetation type, proportion of annual and herbaceous species, and seed dispersal methods. The results indicate that each of these three Ficus species has its own community composition. The vegetation under F. reflexa is a shrubby formation dominated by autochorous and zoochorous species located on high slopes with a minimum area of 6–12 m2. The vegetation under F. lutea is a highly anthropized herbaceous formation dominated by autochorous species located on high slopes at an altitude of 1150–1200 m, with a southwest exposure and a minimum area that ranges from 6 to 9 m2. Under F. tiliifolia, different types of plant formations are found in different topographic positions: herbaceous, shrubby or tree‐like, with different modes of seed dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along the boundary between the Precambrian basement and the Permo-Mesozoic sedimentary basin of northernmost Madagascar, an extensive network of epigenetic quartz-barite veins can be found. The veins are extensional in nature and show a polyphase paragenesis. Some of the veins, especially in the northern part of the district, hold some minor Zn-Pb sulfides and erratically distributed, native gold mineralization. The latter has been exploited in the past and is currently subject to artisanal mining activity. Saline aqueous fluid inclusions in the various quartz and barite vein generations indicate involvement of a relatively cool (<100 °C), high-salinity (~24 eq. wt% NaCl) fluid and a hotter fluid (>160 °C) of lower salinity (~5 eq. wt% NaCl). Analyses of fluid inclusion leachates suggest that the high-salinity end member was a bittern brine, residual to seawater evaporation, whereas the low-salinity end member was a hydrothermal, metal-bearing fluid that had been sourced from the crystalline basement. Sporadic aqueous-carbonic fluid inclusions possibly represent involvement of a third fluid component of metamorphic or magmatic affinity that might have been responsible for the minor gold mineralization. The δ34S composition of the barites averages 20.6 ± 2‰ V-CDT and is indicative for a seawater origin of sulfur. Sulfate was sourced either from evaporite minerals (e.g., gypsum) present in the Early Mesozoic sedimentary sequence or was originally concentrated in the bittern brine. While the timing of mineralization remains enigmatic due to the lack of reliable radiometric age determinations, the metallogenic constrains support vein formation during or shortly after the establishment of evaporitic conditions, likely around the Middle Jurassic, in the intracratonic rift basin that developed between the East African and Madagascar-Seychelles-India plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnancy is not uncommon in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm remains a rare complication, associated with a very poor maternal–fetal prognosis. Our aim is to report a case of ruptured splenic aneurysm and to show the maternal–fetal over-risks during the association of pregnancy and portal hypertension, even in non-cirrhotic patients. Case presentation: We report a case of a 34-year-old woman, pregnant at 24 weeks gestation, with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension due to hepatic schistosomiasis. She was hospitalized for variceal bleeding. Patient had undergone endoscopic variceal band ligation and no bleeding recurrence. An unexplained hypovolemic shock appeared during the hospitalization with the occurrence of an in utero fetal death. The fetus was delivered by vaginal delivery. Abdominal CT scan angiogram showed a splenic artery aneurysm rupture. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy with ligation of the splenic artery associated with splenectomy. Postoperative course was simple. Management of portal hypertension was continued at discharge (diuretic, beta-blockers, and esophageal varices ligation). Conclusion: The association of pregnancy and portal hypertension remains a serious situation with a high risk of maternal–fetal complications. Splenic artery aneurysm rupture is one of the rare complications of this association with a very poor maternal–fetal prognosis. Open repair is the surgical treatment of choice with a non-negligible morbi-mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild species of the Coffea genus present a very wide morphological, genetic, and biochemical diversity. Wild species are recognized more resistant to diseases, pests, and environmental variations than the two species currently cultivated worldwide: C. arabica (Arabica) and C. canephora (Robusta). Consequently, wild species are now considered as a crucial resource for adapting cultivated coffee trees to climate change. Within the Coffea genus, 79 wild species are native to the Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Mayotte, Mauritius, Réunion and Madagascar, out of a total of 141 taxa worldwide. Among them, a group of 9 species called "Baracoffea" are particularly atypical in their morphology and adaptation to the sandy soils of the dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar. Here, we have attempted to shed light on the evolutionary history of three Baracoffea species: C. ambongensis, C. boinensis and C. bissetiae by analyzing their chloroplast and nuclear genomes. We assembled the complete chloroplast genomes de novo and extracted 28,800 SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) markers from the nuclear genomes. These data were used for phylogenetic analysis of Baracoffea with Coffea species from Madagascar and Africa. Our new data support the monophyletic origin of Baracoffea within the Coffea of Madagascar, but also reveal a divergence with a sister clade of four species: C. augagneurii, C. ratsimamangae, C. pervilleana and C. Mcphersonii (also called C. vohemarensis), belonging to the Subterminal botanical series and living in dry or humid forests of northern Madagascar. Based on a bioclimatic analysis, our work suggests that Baracoffea may have diverged from a group of Malagasy Coffea from northern Madagascar and adapted to the specific dry climate and low rainfall of western Madagascar. The genomic data generated in the course of this work will contribute to the understanding of the adaptation mechanisms of these particularly singular species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planting trees is proposed as an important climate mitigation tool, but can be detrimental to biodiversity and livelihoods if not carefully planned and managed, with landscape history and livelihoods in mind. In Madagascar, deforestation is of concern, and a threat to forest-adapted biota. However, much of Madagascar's landscape harbours ancient mosaic and open ecosystems that are home to unique suites of flora and fauna and provide a wide range of ecosystem services. Though guidelines for ecologically and socially responsible reforestation are emerging, the potential role of landscape history and palaeoecology has been generally underemphasised. Here, using Madagascar as a case study, we argue that forest restoration projects need a sound understanding of landscape history that includes a greater integration of palaeoecological data. This would help establish the former composition and extent of forests and also investigate the antiquity of open and mosaic ecosystems. When economic interests are strong, information from palaeoecology and environmental history can help reduce biases when identifying appropriate locations and suites of species for forestation. Furthermore, a reflective approach to landscape history can contribute to restoration projects that integrate cultural and livelihood considerations. A transdisciplinary approach that considers local needs and cultural context can facilitate the design and implementation of restoration projects that share benefits equitably. Underpinning this ambition is a more comprehensive consideration of ecosystem service benefits in a changing climate that includes accurate carbon storage calculations, as well as other ecosystem services including water provision, soil formation and erosion prevention, grazing resources, medicine and cultural components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several African mammals exhibit a phylogeographic pattern where closely related taxa are split between West/Central and East/Southern Africa, but their evolutionary relationships and histories remain controversial. Bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) and red river hogs (P. porcus) are recognised as separate species due to morphological distinctions, a perceived lack of interbreeding at contact, and putatively old divergence times, but historically, they were considered conspecific. Moreover, the presence of Malagasy bushpigs as the sole large terrestrial mammal shared with the African mainland raises intriguing questions about its origin and arrival in Madagascar. Analyses of 67 whole genomes revealed a genetic continuum between the two species, with putative signatures of historical gene flow, variable FST values, and a recent divergence time (<500,000 years). Thus, our study challenges key arguments for splitting Potamochoerus into two species and suggests their speciation might be incomplete. Our findings also indicate that Malagasy bushpigs diverged from southern African populations and underwent a limited bottleneck 1000-5000 years ago, concurrent with human arrival in Madagascar. These results shed light on the evolutionary history of an iconic and widespread African mammal and provide insight into the longstanding biogeographic puzzle surrounding the bushpig's presence in Madagascar. The evolutionary history of pigs in Africa is unclear. Here, the authors examine 67 whole genomes, finding incomplete speciation between bushpigs and red river hogs as well as evidence suggesting that humans brought bushpigs to Madagascar 1000-5000 years ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Bulbophyllum Thouars, B. psittacinum Verlynde & Ramand. and B. vespertilioides Verlynde & Ramand. (Orchidaceae), are recognized and described. Both species are endemic to Madagascar and were found in the Ankerana forest, part of the Ankeniheny-Zahamena corridor (CAZ) protected area in the eastern escarpment forests. These two species belong to section Pantoblepharon Schltr.; B. psittacinum differs from the rest of the section by its conjoined lateral sepals and B. vespertilioides by its larger pseudo bulbs, longer inflorescence, and number of flowers. Taxonomic treatments of both species with descriptions, illustrations, distribution, and habitat information as well as preliminary IUCN Red List assessments are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ellipanthus conduplicatus T. Scott, Lowry & Randrian. (Connaraceae) is described as a new species from low- to mid-elevation humid forests in eastern Madagascar. It is distinguished from the two other species recognized on the island by leaf features, including the shape, size, and conduplicate nature of the blade (especially in pressed material) as well as the form of the apex, and by inflorescence length. The members of the genus on Madagascar also exhibit distinct geographic distributions. A description, illustration, photographs, and identification key are provided, along with a distribution map. A preliminary risk of extinction assessment following the IUCN Red List Criteria indicates a status of "Least Concern." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread and variable taxon currently recognized as Diospyros ferrea (Willd.) Bakh. is said to extend from West Africa through tropical Asia to northern Melanesia, but comparison of material from Madagascar with collections from the region where the type was collected (Southwest India) clearly shows that they represent different species. Examination of material from continental Africa and other parts of the range of D. ferrea s.l. further confirms that the Malagasy populations constitute a distinct entity endemic to this island nation, prompting us to establish the new combination D. madagascariensis (A. DC.) E. Mestre & H. N. Rakouth based on Maba madagascariensis A. DC. We summarize the main characters that distinguish D. madagascariensis from D. ferrea s. str. and provide information on its phenology, local names, and exploitation, primarily as a source of ebony wood. A risk of extinction assessment of D. madagascariensis based on the IUCN Red List criteria indicates that its status is "Least Concern." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 3 September 1895, the American naturalist Dr William L. Abbott wrote to the curator of the Smithsonian Institution Otis Mason stating that he had shipped artefacts for his department as well as other objects from Madagascar. In January 1895, Dr Abbott had returned to Madagascar, after his January 1890 journey to the Red Island, to fight alongside the Malagasy in their war against the French. Abbott accomplished the expedition of 1895 during an exceptionally dif- ficult period for the Kingdom of Madagascar, a period that ushered in the dramatic end of Merina sovereignty. The article studies such period through the unpublished correspondence of the American naturalist and proposes a reconstruction of his activity as collector in Madagascar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crepidogaster (Sphaerotyronia) rotundata subg. nov., sp. nov. is herein described on the basis of a male specimen from East Madagascar. The male habitus and genitalia are illustrated, and some considerations are presented about the systematics of the genus Crepidogaster and the tribe Crepidogastrini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black rat (Rattus rattus) poses a severe threat to food security and public health in Madagascar, where it is a major cause of pre‐ and post‐harvest crop losses and an important reservoir for many zoonotic diseases, including plague. Elsewhere, ecologically based rodent management (EBRM) strategies have been developed using ecological information to inform decisions on where and when to target control. EBRM could deliver improved health and well‐being outcomes in Madagascar if adapted to the local ecological context. Using data collected from removal studies, we explored spatio‐temporal patterns in the breeding activity of the black rat (R. rattus) in domestic and agricultural habitats across Madagascar and investigated to what extent these trends are influenced by rainfall and rat density. We identified clear spatio‐temporal variation in the seasonality of R. rattus reproduction. Reproduction was highly seasonal both inside and outside of houses, but seasonal trends varied between these two habitats. Seasonal trends were explained, in part, by variation in rainfall; however, the effect of rainfall on reproductive rates did itself vary by season and habitat type. A decline in breeding intensity with increasing rat density was recorded outside of houses. This has important implications for control, as populations may compensate for removal through increased reproduction. We recommend that sustained control initiated before the main breeding season, combined with improved hygiene and adequate rodent‐proofing in homes and grain stores, could curtail population growth and reduce pre‐ and post‐harvest losses provided that these measures overcome the compensatory response of rodent populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐release monitoring is important to improve translocation success because it provides an opportunity to identify factors relevant to the survival of local populations. We studied a population of the endangered collared brown lemur (Eulemur collaris) translocated from a degraded forest fragment to a nearby littoral forest within the Mandena Conservation Area in southeast Madagascar from 2000–2011. We compared genetic surveys of mitochondrial and nuclear markers with the genetic profile of nearby populations to examine the dispersal capacity of the collared brown lemur. We also performed a landscape analysis to assess changes in connectivity between forest fragments. There was a fluctuating trend characterized by a phase of demographic and genetic stability shortly after translocation, followed by an increase in genetic diversity coinciding with a population decrease and a gradual recovery of initial conditions. These results demonstrated the ability of the collared brown lemur to disperse through unfavorable landscapes and to recover after translocation. Our study revealed the importance of monitoring translocated populations over time using a multidisciplinary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deforestation and habitat fragmentation is the primary threat to primate populations. The primates that live within degraded and anthropogenically disturbed habitats typical of fragmented landscapes have to cope with lower availability of resources in comparison to primates in continuous, undisturbed forests. While some species are sensitive to forest fragmentation, some evidence exists to suggest that primates can alter their behavior and adapt to such changes, which enables their survival in suboptimal habitat. In this study, we assessed how forest fragmentation and its associated edge‐effects impact the feeding ecology and activity levels of a nocturnal primate community in the Sahamalaza‐Iles Radama National Park, North West Madagascar. From March 06, 2019 to May 17, 2022, we collected data on tree and invertebrate phenology at our study site, and feeding ecology and activity for 159 lemur individuals from four species. Fruit and flower availability varied significantly between continuous and fragmented forest, and between forest core and edge areas, with continuous forest exhibiting higher continuous fruit and flower availability. Lemur feeding ecology varied significantly too, as the feeding niches of all four species were significantly different between continuous and fragmented forest and between core and edge areas. However, lemur activity levels were mostly consistent among all forest areas. The results of this study suggest that nocturnal lemurs are able to adapt their dietary ecology in response to the available food sources within their habitat. Due to this flexible ecology and dietary plasticity, the lemurs do not need to significantly alter their behavior in different environments to fulfill their dietary needs. While nocturnal lemurs demonstrate adaptability and flexibility to degraded habitat, it is unclear how far this plasticity will stretch considering that Madagascar's forests are still being cleared at an alarming rate. Urgent conservation action is therefore needed to ensure the future of lemur habitat. Research Highlights: Forest fragmentation and associated edge‐effects impact dietary ecology of multiple nocturnal lemur species.Forest fragmentation and associated edge‐effects do not however impact upon the activity budget of nocturnal lemurs.Nocturnal lemurs demonstrate adaptability and dietary plasticity to degraded habitat, and do not need to alter their behavior to fulfill their dietary needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe three unusual new species of Plukenetia sect. Madagascarienses from eastern Madagascar based on morphology, pollen, and molecular data. Plukenetia analameranensis is unusual in the genus and section for its flat androecium of sessile anthers on a flat receptacle and is most similar to P. ankaranensis sharing obovoid stylar columns. Plukenetia antilahimenae and P. randrianaivoi are distinct in sect. Madagascarienses and among palaeotropical species for their elliptic or obovate-elliptic, pinnately veined leaf blades. They differ primarily in indumentum characters, including stems and inflorescence axes pubescent versus glabrous, and stipule size. Pollen of the new species (unknown in P. randrianaivoi) have reticulate or finely reticulate exines, while that of P. ankaranensis has a rugulate exine; this pollen morphology contrasts with that of all other palaeotropical species, which have foveolate exines. Phylogenetic analysis of nuclear ribosomal ETS and ITS data show that P. randrianaivoi is firmly embedded in the sect. Madagascarienses clade and sister to P. ankaranensis (the other two new species could not be sequenced). Based on these molecular and pollen results, together with floral characters (most importantly completely connate styles), we suggest that the three new species and P. ankaranensis form a subclade, sister to the other two Malagasy species, P. decidua and P. madagascariensis. With the description of these three new species, sect. Madagascarienses (6 spp.) becomes substantially more diverse morphologically. This species radiation in Madagascar resulted in the independent evolution of several leaf and pollen characters that previously were thought to distinguish the two major clades of Plukenetia, specifically pinnately veined leaf blades and reticulate pollen that look remarkably similar to the leaves and pollen of the neotropical pinnately veined clade. An emended description of section Madagascarienses, a key to the species of sect. Madagascarienses, and an updated key to the sections of Plukenetia are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Worldwide, approximately one in six inpatient antibiotic prescriptions are for surgical-infection prophylaxis, including postoperative prophylaxis. The WHO recommends against prolonged postoperative antibiotics to prevent surgical-site infection. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is common due to perceptions that it protects against surgical-site infection and data informing recommendations against antibiotic administration are largely derived from high-income countries. The aim of this study was to describe postoperative antibiotic-prescribing patterns and related surgical-site infection rates in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: Patients from 19 hospitals in Ethiopia, Madagascar, India, and Bolivia with wound class I and II operations were included. Data on antibiotic administration, indication, surgical-site infection, length of hospital stay, and adherence to perioperative infection-prevention standards were collected by trained personnel. The association between postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for greater than or equal to 24 h and surgical-site infection was analysed via modified robust Poisson regression, controlling for patient and procedural factors and degree of adherence to perioperative infection-prevention practices. Results: Of 8714 patients, 92.9% received antibiotics for prophylaxis after surgery and 27.7% received antibiotics for greater than or equal to 24 h. Patients receiving postoperative prophylaxis for greater than or equal to 24 h did not have lower surgical-site infection rates (Relative risk 1.09 (95% c.i. 0.89 to 1.33); P = 0.399), but the length of hospital stay was 1.4 days longer (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Prolonged postoperative antibiotics did not reduce surgical-site infection, but pervasive use was associated with a longer length of hospital stay, in resource-limited healthcare systems. With the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, surgical initiatives to implement antimicrobial stewardship programmes in low- and middle-income countries are critical. This cohort study evaluated whether postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis decreased the risk of surgical-site infections in 19 hospitals in low- and middle-income countries, where postoperative prophylaxis is common. Administering postoperative prophylaxis for greater than or equal to 24 h was not associated with a lower risk of surgical-site infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the harlequin mantella along 18 transects from Fohisokina and Soamasaka during three different seasons of the year. Transects were installed in three dominant habitats at both sites. In total, we encountered the target species 62 times from all of our surveys. Several encountered animals vary between sites and seasons. No frog was observed during the winter. However, frog size is significantly different between sexes which females are larger than males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the food consumption, nutrition knowledge and nutritional assessment of childbearing age women and their children, living in rural villages in Madagascar. The results presented are related to the Tany Vao research study. Design: A cross-sectional pilot study. Setting: The study was carried out in Ampanitosoha village on Nosy Mitsio island in Madagascar. Participants: 32 women (14–49 years) and 36 children and adolescents (2–17 years). Results: 70 % of the women lacked nutrition knowledge and did not reach the Minimum Dietary Diversity Index for Women cut-off. The median BMI was 21·1 kg/m2 but 55·2 % of the women exceeded the cut-off for waist-to-hip ratio, 51·7 % for waist-to-height ratio and 81·2 % for mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Almost all had adequate intake of energy, protein and carbohydrates, while 27·6 % had excessive fat intake and 75·9 % of added sugars. Over half of the women did not meet the micronutrients Reference Daily Intake (RDI). For children, the MUAC z-score was lower for boys than for girls (P -value = 0·041). Conclusions: These results underline the importance of increasing women's nutritional knowledge to promote healthy pregnancy and lactation. Moreover, it is fundamental to provide people living in rural areas with sustainable tools to improve dietary diversity and support long-term health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yams (Dioscorea species) are an important food resource in Madagascar, where both cultivated winged yam (D. alata) and wild edible yams are consumed. However, there is limited knowledge on the nutrient composition of wild edible yams in Madagascar, and on how they compare with the cultivated winged yam. Therefore, in this study, nine wild edible yam species, one with two subspecies from Madagascar (D. bako, D. buckleyana, D. irodensis, D. maciba, D. orangeana, D. pteropoda, D. sambiranensis subsp. bardotiae and subsp. sambiranensis, D. seriflora, and Dioscorea species Ovy valiha), were analyzed for their nutrient composition, compared with cultivated D. alata. They include 6/6 of the most favored wild edible yam species in Madagascar. New nutrient composition data (protein, carbohydrate/starch, energy, lipid, β‐carotene, and minerals) are presented for these nine wild edible yam species. The results show that they contain comparable levels of lipids and starch to D. alata, but none are better sources of protein than D. alata. The results show that D. irodensis contains a significantly higher β‐carotene content when compared to all other edible yams analyzed, and that D. buckleyana, D. irodensis, and D. sambiranensis subsp. bardotiae have a higher calcium content than cultivated D. alata, while all nine wild edible yam species analyzed contain a higher iron content, compared to cultivated D. alata. The nutrient composition data presented could provide new incentives to conserve wild edible yams and inform on strategies to select Dioscorea species for sustainable cultivation and use, providing opportunities to enhance future food security in Madagascar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Zetorchella (Oribatida, Caloppiidae)—Z. sandorisp. nov. and Z. andasibensissp. nov.—are described, based on materials collected from Madagascar. An identification key to the known species of Zetorchella is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Madagascar is famous for its unique forests and their fauna. Most of the island is covered by flammable grassy ecosystems long considered to be of human origin and threatening the remaining forests. Yet new studies show that many plants and animals of the grassy systems are unique to Madagascar and restricted to these open habitats. Open grassy ecosystems have markedly different management requirements from forests and bring different contributions to society. We argue that the grassy ecosystems can benefit Madagascar if understood and managed wisely using expanded knowledge bases that also include collaboration with locals. Summary: Until recently, nearly all research and interests in Madagascar focused on forested habitats. To help place Madagascar's grassy ecosystems in context, we provide a summary of the origin, development, and evolution of open tropical, C4 grassy ecosystems elsewhere, especially those from Africa; we summarize similarities and differences with the distribution of C3 and C4 grasses in the Malagasy landscape, their plant traits, and inferences on the evolutionary legacy of grasses. We also discuss the animal communities that use and have coevolved in these grassy systems; to help resolve controversies over the pre‐settlement extent of grassy ecosystems, we suggest a variety of complementary geochemical, palaeobotanical, and molecular genetic tools that have been effectively used elsewhere to untangle forest/grassy ecosystem mosaics and the ecological and evolutionary processes that influence them. Many of these tools can and should be employed in Madagascar to fully understand the spatio‐temporal dynamics of open, grassy, and closed forest systems across the island; as regards conservation, we discuss the ecosystem services provided by grassy systems, which are too often ignored in general, not only as a biome, vis‐à‐vis forests, but also for their global importance as a carbon sink and role they play in water management and providing goods to local villagers. We conclude by outlining the necessary research to better manage open ecosystems across Madagascar without threatening endangered forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference emphasised the need to modify practices that negatively impact biodiversity and food security in the context of global change. Following Madagascar's drought‐induced famine, our systematic review supports the theory that grasslands of the Malagasy Central Highland that are subjected to human‐lit fires are anthropogenically derived. Furthermore, these overly frequent fires that characterise much of the Malagasy Central Highland grasslands select poorly palatable grasses. Given the reliance on pastoralism as insurance against crop failure in Madagascar, fire‐dependent practices that degrade rangeland emerge as a threat to food security and biodiversity. Education can mitigate against future humanitarian crises. Summary: Food insecurity is greatest in countries where impacts of global change are predicted to be severe. Many, like Madagascar, rely on livestock‐based pastoralism (and consequently palatable rangelands) for insurance against natural disasters and crop failure. It is recognised that derived grasslands can impact climate and biodiversity. Furthermore, the well‐established palatability‐flammability trade‐off predicts that overly‐frequent fires select increasingly unpalatable, fire‐adapted grassland. The drought‐induced Malagasy famine of 2021 highlights the need to identify factors that threaten food security. Given the ubiquitous practice of rangeland preparation through annual, landscape‐scale human‐lit fires, we evaluate whether Malagasy grasslands are derived and then test for fire‐driven selection of increasingly degraded and unpalatable rangelands across Madagascar's largest grassland system, the Malagasy Central Highland (MCH). We conducted a systematic literature review, evaluating for a palatability‐flammability trade‐off, by determining dominant Malagasy grass species, and then applying functional traits, and palatability ratings to these species. Data were extracted using a suite of relevant search terms, and of 1977 studies identified, 145 were directly relevant to the questions posed. Evidence from the review is compelling for much of the Malagasy highland grassland being derived. Furthermore, Malagasy dominant grass species are fire‐adapted with poor forage‐value, suggesting current burning practices negatively impact both biodiversity and pastoralism. Decreasing rangeland palatability caused by human‐lit fires in a society suffering food insecurity emphasises the need to re‐evaluate pastoralist burning practices. Identifying optimal fire frequencies can avert breaching fire‐induced tipping points to rangeland palatability and the humanitarian crises that may follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]