Formerly widespread in the eastern littoral and montane rainforests of Madagascar, it is increasingly rare due to logging and deforestation.
Description
Taxonomic notes:
Three varieties are recognized although the taxonomic status of one is uncertain. The typical variety occurs throughout most parts of the species' range while var. procerus occurs near Tolanaro [Fort Dauphin] and the Massif de Bekolosy. The other variety, var. rotundus is only known from Massif de Bekolosy and the Massif du Manongarivo.
Distribution
Endemic to Madagascar, occurring along the eastern plateaus and mountains.
Habitat and Ecology
Podocarpus madagascariensis occurs in moist forests or forest remnants from level plains near sea level to forested ridges and escarpments at 2,000-2,400 m a.s.l. In the lowland forest it can attain 20-25 m and become a canopy tree with mostly evergreen tropical angiosperms; on exposed rocky ridges it is a shrub or a stunted tree occurring in sclerophyllous low forest or scrubland rich in lichens, often on relatively dry sites.
Human Uses
Has been exploited for construction, firewood and medicinal use.
Conservation Status
Global status and rationale
Near Threatened (VU B2ab(iii))
The area of occupancy of this species is uncertain; it is estimated here to be in excess of 2,000 km² but locality records from herbarium specimens are likely to be incomplete. Decline due to deforestation in the lowlands and logging of the trees of this species in these forests is ongoing. On this basis this species is assessed as Near Threatened (almost qualifies for a threatened listing under criterion B2ab(iii))
Global Threats
Logging has removed many of the larger trees of this slow growing taxon. Clearance of lowland forest for expanding agriculture is also a major threat. Fires also reduce te size and connectivity of the remaining forest patches where this species occurs
Conservation Actions
This species occurs in at least three national forest reserves: Andringitra N.R., Zahamena N.R. and Analamazaotra N.R. A limited amount of forest restoration work has been undertaken and has utilised this species: early results indicate that it does not establish well in grassland but does better under forest canopy.
References and further reading
Bollen, A. & G. Donati (2006) Conservation status of the littoral forest of south-eastern Madagascar: a review. Oryx 40(1):1-10.
Farjon, A. (2013) Podocarpus madagascariensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013: e.T42518A2984435. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42518A2984435.en. Downloaded on 15 July 2016.
Laubenfels, D. (1972) Flore de Madagascar et des Comores. Gymnospermes - Cycadacees Podocarpacees. Paris: Museum National D'histoire Naturelle. 9-25 pp.
Pareliussen, I., G. Olsson, W. Armbruster (2006) Factors limiting the survival of native tree seedlings in conservation efforts at the edges of forest fragments in upland Madagascar. Restoration Ecology 14(2):196-203.
