Threats to the Comoros

wildfire

Conservation status of the Comoros forest ecosystems is poor, as clearly indicated by its status as a WWF Ecoregion Hotspot. Human population is high, with over 700,000 people on the four islands and a population growth rate of 3% per year putting increasing pressure on the forests. Most growth is concentrated on coastal lowlands, but there are also significant populations in the mountain villages.

The biggest threat to The Comoros, as with all native vegetation on Indian Ocean islands, is tied to conversion of land for agricultural use. Lowland forests have been almost completely destroyed, likely driving some unknown species to extinction already. The degradation and desolation goes up to 300 or 400 meters above sea level. At higher elevations, the terrain is more rugged and less suited to farming and thus more forest remains there, but many species are at risk.

Exotic and invasive species are problematic in the Comoros, and there are some management programs in place to combat and eliminate some of these populations. These non natives have ill effects on native species on each island; for example, the Javan mongoose has negatively affected ground nesting bird populations, and exotic plants outcompete some of the endemic plant species.

Human activity also exacerbates the already problematic natural disturbance. Logging activities have increased the exposure of forest areas to the heavy winds of cyclones, and volcanic activity covers intact habitat and leaves room for nonnative species to adapt to these new dry and sun-exposed conditions. Humans also poach green sea turtles for consumption and geckoes for pet trade.