Political unrest portends ecological ruin in Madagascar.

• Author: Block, Ben
• Position: EYE ON EARTH

Recent political developments in Madagascar have led to a rise in both illegal and sanctioned logging, undermining decades of conservation work, environmental groups say.

After pro-opposition troops ousted President Marc Ravalomanana in March 2009, illegal logging and the trade in wildlife-derived bushmeat escalated in many of the island's protected areas. Although a November deal between political parties provided some stability, conservation groups worry that persistent lawlessness coupled with a decline in foreign aid will lead to increased deforestation in some of the world's richest ecosystems.

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Conservation groups have prioritized their efforts in Madagascar, considered a "hotspot" for biological...