A new report by the NGO, TRAFFIC, reveals that 64% of all protected species seized globally between 2000 and 2021 came from Madagascar. Species seized included rosewood, reptiles and amphibians that are critically endangered and prohibited from international trade.

According to Cynthia Ratsimbazafy, co-author of the study, “The figures reveal the long-term and sustained exploitation of Madagascar’s unique wildlife despite enforcement efforts and trade restrictions that have been in place for years. Madagascar’s biodiversity cannot survive this if the countries involved stop at just confiscating illegal shipments.”

TRAFFIC: An Assessment of Wildlife Trade Between Madagascar and Southeast Asia