"The Upside Down Tree" is at Risk

The survival of Madagascar’s unique species and one of the world’s only biodiversity locations is at risk. The country of Madagascar is an island off of the South eastern coast of Africa. Since its ecosystem is isolated from the rest of the world, 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife can only be found there. One of the well known species that calls Madagascar home is the Baobab tree. Also known as “the upside down tree”, because its branches look more like roots, this tree has many uses. The extract from the leaves are used for medicine, its rare fruit is a high source of vitamins, the bark makes homes, and their excavated trunks are used for water storage. Since Madagascar is one of the poorest countries (the average person lives on $2 a day), agriculture is the main source of income. This causes deforestation and a severe risk for the ecosystem of Madagascar.    

 http://articles.cnn.com/2012-08-31/africa/world_africa_madagascar-deforestation-baobab_1_baobab-madagascar-medicinal-plants