People, Lemurs and Utilitarian Plants of the Littoral Forests in Southeast Madagascar

Abstract Tropical forests support a diversity of plants. Many them are threatened, emphasising that their shared use by people and wildlife may benefit conservation. Litt southeast Madagascar, home to seven threatened lemur species, provide the Antanosy with natural resources. In early 2000s, protected areas were established in two regions historically incurred different levels anthropogenic pressures: Sainte Luce Mandena. We explored local plants as medicine, construction materials firewood, examined overlap used red-collared brown ( Eulemur collaris ), largest this ecosystem an important seed disperser. Between July October 2018, 60 adults (30 women, 30 men) participated semi-structured interviews. Our findings show 122 locally medicines, materials, 71 firewood. Of all utilitarian plants, 52 confirmed lemur’s diet. participants reported they higher species three categories. Western medicines available preferred medicinal but choice also often depended on health condition being addressed. Firewood was charcoal for cooking. Resource restrictions has negatively affected people. Local ethnobotanical knowledge reflects importance while differences plant communities reflect biodiversity socio-economic circumstances. Emphasising interdependence, especially forest restoration, could be path towards conservation lemurs, people, well traditional livelihoods.