The baobab tree - A universe of its own | DW Documentary

In the tropical dry forests of Madagascar, the baobab tree plays a vital role. It’s especially important during times of drought, which all forest-dwellers have had to adapt to. But these ancient trees are also highly endangered.

The majestic baobabs are the silent guardians of Madagascar’s tropical dry forests. The trees are a big part of indigenous culture and folklore. Among the Sakalavas, each family has its own tree, which is hollowed out and serves as a reservoir in times of drought. Thanks to its fibrous structure, the baobab trunk acts like a sponge that can store up to 120,000 liters of water.

The baobabs are a crucial part of the forests’ biodiversity: lizards, salamanders, snakes, birds and small mammals find food and shelter among them. Ants live in harmony with the trees, enriching the soil around them and helping rainwater to seep into the ground. But the baobabs are now considered highly endangered, and action must be taken to prevent these unique trees from becoming extinct.

#documentary #dwdocumentary #trees #wildlife
______

DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary.

Subscribe to:
⮞ DW Documentary (English): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumentary
⮞ DW Documental (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumental
⮞ DW Documentary وثائقية دي دبليو (Arabic): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocarabia
⮞ DW Doku (German): https://www.youtube.com/dwdoku
⮞ DW Documentary हिन्दी (Hindi): https://www.youtube.com/dwdochindi

For more visit: http://www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610
Follow DW Documentary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwdocumentary/
Follow DW Documental on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwdocumental

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G