News dated
In an October 15 update, Hertfordshire Zoo, a supporter of SEED Madagascar’s Ala programme, reports that 18,500 native seedlings of 24 species were planted in southeast Madagascar between January and April 2026. Over 70% were surviving by July: figures reported by a project partner, not an independent ecological assessment. [1]
Ala aims to connect fragments of Sainte Luce’s coastal forest with planted corridors that wildlife can use. SEED explains that some lemur species cannot easily cross open ground. Planting is therefore one stage: maintenance, fire protection and survival monitoring remain necessary. The update does not show that the forest has already been restored. [2][1]
The bright side
Following seedlings over subsequent months distinguishes the number planted from the plants that actually keep growing. [1][2]
One idea, in simple words
In Madagascar, some forest patches are separated by open land. The Ala programme aims to connect them with strips of vegetation called corridors, which could help animals move. An update published on October 15 by a project supporter reports 18,500 seedlings of 24 species planted between January and April 2026. Over seventy per cent were surviving by July. [1][2]
The number planted and the number surviving are different pieces of information. Imagine planting ten seedlings in a garden and returning months later to count them: only the second check tells you how many are growing. The work includes care and protection against fires. These figures come from a project partner; they do not prove that the whole forest has already returned. [1][2]
A little discovery to keep
What did you discover?
Straight from the source.
- Supporting Lemurs Conservation in Madagascar Hertfordshire Zoo · 15 Oct 2026
- Ala: connecting forest fragments SEED Madagascar · No publication date provided
Original reporting summaries prepared with AI assistance and accessible sources. Our editorial method.
