New Baobab Species Identified in Madagascar

Researchers from the Missouri Botanical Garden and the University of Wisconsin–Madison have described a new baobab species, Adansonia bozy, from western Madagascar. Genetic analysis combined with traditional taxonomy confirmed the species as distinct and critically endangered due to its small population and ongoing deforestation. The discovery raises the total number of known baobab species to nine, most of which are endemic to Madagascar, and highlights the need for urgent conservation measures.

The team noted that while the IUCN currently lists one baobab as critically endangered and two as endangered, many of the island’s species may merit a higher threat status given rapid habitat loss.