Henst's goshawk  (Accipiter henstii)

This large forest raptor is not common, but appears to be present in almost all large forest blocks that have been surveyed (7). However, its dependency on forest habitat makes its vulnerable to deforestation (2), a threat which impacts much of the biodiversity of Madagascar. Agriculture, including rice cultivation, slash-and-burn agriculture and cattle grazing, has resulted in the loss of over 80 percent of Madagascar's natural vegetation (8), with knock-on effects for the animals, plants and people which rely on this vital resource.

Henst's goshawk occurs in several protected areas including Ranomafana National Park (6) and Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve (9), which may offer some protection from the threat of deforestation. The government of Madagascar, along with numerous conservation organisations, recognise the importance of conserving the islands' unique and stunning biodiversity, and in 2003, the president of Madagascar pledged to triple the coverage of protected areas (8). There are many obstacles and challenges still ahead, but there is hope they can be overcome, for the sake of the animal, plant and human inhabitants of Madagascar.