Golden-crowned Sifaka joins Phoenix Species recovery list

Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka has been selected as one of 100 species targeted for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, a $200 million initiative from the Bezos Earth Fund and Re:wild. The pick elevates community-led conservation in the Loky-Manambato region as Madagascar accelerates its 30x30 biodiversity plan.

Why it matters: - The Golden-crowned Sifaka is one of Madagascar’s rarest lemurs and a keystone species in the northern dry forest. - Recovery of the sifaka is tied to recovery of the forest, because the species spreads seeds across more than 40 tree species in its diet. - The selection brings new backing to locally led conservation in Loky-Manambato, where deforestation, mining, timber cutting, charcoal production and poaching threaten the species. - The decision also strengthens Madagascar’s broader 30x30 Biodiversity Plan, which aims to expand protection for the country’s ecosystems by 2030.

What happened: - The Phoenix Species Project named the Golden-crowned Sifaka among 100 species selected for recovery. - The project is a $200 million initiative launched by the Bezos Earth Fund and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Re:wild. - The sifaka lives only in the Loky-Manambato region of northern Madagascar. - The wild population is estimated at about 10,000 individuals. - Loky-Manambato was identified as a high-priority extension area in a March 2026 scientific workshop that supports Madagascar’s 30x30 Biodiversity Plan. - Association Fanamby has led conservation work in the region for years and will scale that work with support from the Phoenix Species Project.

The details: - Fanamby will work to restore and reconnect severely fragmented dry forest habitat. - Fanamby will also work with local communities to reduce threats and co-manage the habitat. - As sifaka numbers recover, the species is expected to help disperse seeds across the canopy, supporting wider ecosystem recovery. - The work is expected to create ecotourism and livelihood opportunities for local communities. - Madagascar’s government designated 21 new protected areas in February 2026, covering 1.82 million hectares. - That brought Madagascar’s national protected-area total to 8.88 million hectares. - In March 2026, 70 scientists, mostly Malagasy, completed the country’s first full scientific re-prioritization of terrestrial biodiversity since 1995. - The workshop identified 956 priority areas, including Loky-Manambato as a high-priority extension. - In April 2026, Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison formally committed the government to the 30x30 plan in Washington, DC. - Madagascar covers 0.4% of the world’s land and holds 5% of all species on Earth, with 90% found nowhere else. - The 30x30 plan targets 18 million hectares of terrestrial ecosystems and 40 million hectares of ocean under stronger protection by 2030. - The plan is designed to benefit more than 3 million people. - Funding tools include carbon credits, debt-for-nature swaps and ecotourism. - Named funders include the Hempel Foundation, Conservation Allies, Rainforest Trust, KfW, AFD and the World Bank. - Association Fanamby protects 590,000 hectares of Madagascar’s marine and terrestrial protected areas. - Fanamby’s portfolio includes the Perrier’s Sifaka, Madame Berthe’s Mouse Lemur, Indri and the Golden-crowned Sifaka. - Madagascar’s 30x30 plan targets $150 million to $220 million in annual conservation financing. - The plan was developed with support from SPACES, Campaign for Nature, the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, Rainforest Trust, Re:wild and other partners. - The release says images of the Golden-crowned Sifaka are available for download. - Fanamby’s website is more information. - Madagascar’s 30x30 Biodiversity Plan website is more information.

Between the lines: - The Phoenix Species Project selection signals international confidence in Madagascar’s community-conservation model, not just in the species itself. - The announcement links species recovery, habitat protection and local livelihoods, suggesting conservation funding will be judged on both ecological and social results. - The repeated emphasis on science, national planning and local management shows Madagascar is trying to frame conservation as a coordinated state-led effort rather than a stand-alone NGO campaign.

What's next: - Fanamby is expected to use the new support to expand habitat restoration and community co-management in Loky-Manambato. - The sifaka’s recovery will depend on whether forest fragmentation slows and habitat connectivity improves. - Madagascar’s 30x30 implementation will likely advance as the country seeks annual financing and additional protected-area gains before 2030. - More species could be pulled into the Phoenix Species Project as the initiative expands its recovery portfolio.

The bottom line: - The Golden-crowned Sifaka selection is both a species-recovery win and a test case for Madagascar’s broader plan to pair global funding with local conservation leadership.