Deforestation Dynamics and Ecological Consequences in the Dry Dense Deciduous Forests of Belindo-Mahasoa (Bekily, Southern Madagascar)

The dry Dry deciduous forests in southern Madagascar are among the country’s most vulnerable ecosystems, increasingly threatened by expanding anthropogenic pressures., These forest formations are among the most heavily affected by deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion, charcoal production and timber extraction, leading to a continuous decline in forest cover. How have spatio-temporal deforestation dynamics between 2015 and 2025 altered forest cover, fragmentation, and ecological resilience in Belindo-Mahasoa, and what sustainable management responses are required to ensure long-term conservation efforts locally?. In the commune of Belindo-Mahasoa, located in the Bekily district, a spatio-temporal analysis of forest cover between 2015 and 2025 reveals a pronounced deforestation dynamic, marked by substantial reductions in wooded areas and increased landscape fragmentation. This pattern reflects a broader regional trend of rapid ecological degradation in southern Malagasy dry forests under increasing land-use pressures. Although small patches of vegetation recovery have emerged, largely linked to recent local restoration initiatives, their extent remains limited compared to the magnitude of forest loss. Overall, the findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen sustainable management strategies and restoration efforts to safeguard the essential ecological functions of these dry deciduous forests, whose resilience appears increasingly compromised. Thus, this article aims to provide recommendations to support conservation efforts and strengthen sustainable management strategies in order to safeguard the essential ecological functions of these dry deciduous forests.