Integrating community-led stewardship and multispectral remote sensing for enhanced biodiversity mapping in the Ambatolahy humid forests, Madagascar

ABSTRACT This study presents a transdisciplinary approach to biodiversity conservation in the Ambatolahy fokontany, Madagascar, by integrating high-resolution remote sensing (Sentinel-2) with community-driven ecological monitoring. Through a systematic assessment of land-use dynamics and faunal distribution, the research elucidates the critical synergy between habitat integrity and decentralized governance. Leveraging Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analytics and supervised classification, the findings reveal a robust forest core characterized by optimal ecological functionality (NDVI > 0.7) and significant taxonomic richness. A total of 167 species across 30 families were identified, featuring a remarkable 52.9% endemism rate and the persistence of critically endangered primates, notably Hapalemur aureus. The study further quantifies the efficacy of the Vondron’Olona Ifotony (VOI) Mitsinjo, documenting an 89.09% stakeholder participation rate. This socio-ecological equilibrium demonstrates that internalizing conservation mandates allows local agricultural productivity to serve as a complementary service to the ecotourism economy, rather than a driver of deforestation. By correlating spatio-temporal vegetation evolution with primate population densities, the research provides a strategic framework for proactive habitat management. Ultimately, this integrated model underscores the necessity of reconciling local livelihoods with rigorous scientific surveillance to ensure the long-term resilience of Madagascar’s unique evolutionary heritage. Key words: Biodiversity conservation, Cartography, Fokontany Ambatolahy, VOI, fauna, Madagascar.