“The baobab is the national tree of Madagascar.

Of the nine genera in the Word, six are found only in Madagascar [two are in Arabia and one in Australia].

However due to deforestation, three of these baobab species are endangered and facing a serious threat of extinction,” says photographer Emiline.

“This photo was taken at the famous ‘Avenue des Baobabs’ which is found along a dirt road in the Menabe region of Madagascar, near the city of Morondava.

The trees are thought to be up to 800 years old and remain under threat from slash-and-burn agriculture, encroaching rice paddies, overgrazing and bark collection.

In recent years the Malagasy authorities and some NGOs have taken some conservation measures to protect their precious forests, including this beautiful area in the western Madagascar.”

Photo credit: Emiline

via Saved: Wildlife in Earth’s protected areas.