Conserving Madagascar's Amphibians and Reptiles Requires Collaboration between Scientists.

Madagascar's unique biodiversity and high rates of deforestation make it crucial to study and conserve its amphibians and reptiles. The country is home to 414 species of amphibians and 437 species of reptiles, most of which are endemic. Efforts have been made to protect these species through initiatives like the "A Conservation Strategy for the Amphibians of Madagascar" meetings and International Chameleon Day. Collaboration between local and foreign researchers has led to an increase in scientific publications on Madagascar's herpetofauna, which inform conservation actions. The current Special Issue of Animals focuses on the diversity, conservation, and taxonomy of Madagascar's amphibians and reptiles, with contributions from both Malagasy and foreign researchers. The collection includes papers on taxonomy, species distribution, ecology, and conservation, highlighting the importance of studying and understanding Madagascar's herpetofauna. The impact of amphibian and reptile trade is also discussed, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers conservation, economy, and local development for sustainable resource management in Madagascar. [Extracted from the article]