Women Rangers Saving Baobabs in Madagascar

Dear Women for Conservation community,

As the global climate changes and storms become more frequent and intense, Madagascar’s ancient and precious baobab trees are in danger. One ancient tree named Tsitakakantsa, located in the southwest region of Madagascar, is evidence of the species’ struggle against the change. Tsitakakantsa is the largest and oldest baobab in Madagascar. It's more than 1,000 years old, and its grizzled, cracked trunk is almost 29 meters in circumference. It is a divine figure for the local villages, having assumed this identity after Tsitakakoike, its spiritual predecessor, died. 

Despite its size and strength, Tsitakakantsa is succumbing to rot brought on by increased storms in the region. It is slowly, slowly dying. As Jonathan Wolfe reported in his article for New York Times, the first sign of the tree’s sickness was its smell — of decay and earth. Then, cracks appeared in its trunk. Long, thin openings that make you wonder what’s inside. These cracks in its protective bark make the tree even more vulnerable to insects and disease. Then, ominously, dark liquid began seeping up from its roots. 

Scientists say that as it continues to decay, eventually it will just collapse into itself. It is hard to imagine a tree as tall and wide as a house just disintegrating, but someday soon that is what will happen. The local villages are already in the process of searching for a new tree to assume the spiritual spiritual symbol; the loss of Tsitakakantsa will be devastating. 

Stories like this one are the reason why we must continue to support the women rangers protecting Baobab Alley in Madagascar. As the earth’s climate continues to change, more baobabs (and all wildlife!!) will be at risk. We need to protect the ones that are left from threats we can control; like fire and vandalism. Women for Conservation’s six women rangers are doing the work we need on the ground to protect Earth’s remaining ancient baobab trees: symbols of life, of abundance, and of connection to the spiritual world. We still need your help to raise $1,500 to support our women rangers doing vital work. By donating to this cause, you are not only helping women protect endangered baobab trees. You are also helping these women gain financial independence and conservation leadership skills – benefits that will stay with them for many years to come.

Thank you for choosing to be a part of our community. Without you, this project would not be possible.

With sincere gratitude,

The Women for Conservation Team

Links:

• NYT article about Tsitakakantsa