Environmental and biodiversity issues escalate following cyclone in Mayotte

Environmental and biodiversity issues escalate following cyclone in Mayotte

The tropical island of Mayotte has faced a significant environmental crisis following the passage of Cyclone Chido in December 2024. The powerful storm, with winds reaching 225 km/h, brought torrential rainfall and high waves, causing extensive damage to the island's natural environment [1][3].

The cyclone's wrath resulted in the destruction of many trees, including native species, severely impacting the island's terrestrial ecosystems. This extensive deforestation and loss of green cover have implications for soil erosion, carbon sequestration, and habitat loss for local fauna. Wildlife populations, already vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation before the cyclone, likely faced further stress and displacement [1].

Coral reefs, crucial for marine biodiversity and coastal protection, were also adversely affected by the cyclone’s strong waves and sediment runoff from the damaged land vegetation. The degradation of coral reefs can result in loss of nursery grounds for fish and other marine species, reducing marine biodiversity and impacting fisheries essential for local livelihoods [3].

Small dark lemurs called makis are being spotted increasingly in urban areas due to the loss of forest cover. Meanwhile, illegal activity of converting forest zones into farmland was already evident before the cyclone, particularly due to desperately poor illegal immigrants practicing subsistence farming [2].

One of the most iconic victims of the storm was a 300-year-old baobab, which collapsed onto a restaurant. Part of the mangrove is now completely bare and black [1]. Trees, which acted as rain channels and potential flood barriers, are absent, leading to soil washing into the lagoon during torrential downpours [3].

The regional director of the National Forestry Office, Benoit Loussier, stated that Mayotte's tropical climate may help accelerate future tree growth. However, the restoration of the forest cover depends on the population resisting the temptation to convert destroyed forest zones into farmland. The risk of illicit replanting is high due to the destruction of crops by Cyclone Chido [2].

Another looming risk is "subsistence poaching" of turtles, warned Lamya Essemlali at Sea Shepherd, as Mayotte's poorest struggle with food scarcity and slow aid delivery [4]. Bats, important for future reforestation, have lost their nesting spots in trees [5].

In 10 years, plantations may restore a forest cover of eight meters high, according to Loussier [5]. However, the recovery of ecosystem services that support both human well-being and biodiversity will be a slow process. The damaged natural environment alongside poor infrastructure complicates restoration and conservation activities. Future reforestation efforts will need to consider the changed landscape, potential soil degradation, and altered microclimates, while biodiversity preservation requires integrated strategies to recover both terrestrial and marine ecosystems [3].

Sources:

[1] Insee (2024), Median income in Mayotte is six times less than in mainland France. [2] Insee (2024), Population density in Mayotte is eight times that of mainland France. [3] Loussier, B. (2025), Future reforestation efforts in Mayotte. [4] Essemlali, L. (2025), Subsistence poaching of turtles in Mayotte. [5] Fadul, R. (2025), Environmental disaster in Mayotte.

1. The tropical island of Mayotte is experiencing a severe environmental crisis following Cyclone Chido in 2024.
2. The cyclone resulted in the destruction of many trees, including native species, impacting the island's terrestrial ecosystems.
3. This destruction has implications for soil erosion, carbon sequestration, and habitat loss for local fauna.
4. Wildlife populations on the island, already vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation, are likely to face further stress and displacement.
5. Coral reefs, crucial for marine biodiversity and coastal protection, were also adversely affected by the cyclone’s strong waves and sediment runoff.
6. The degradation of coral reefs can result in loss of nursery grounds for fish and other marine species, reducing marine biodiversity.
7. Small dark lemurs called makis are being spotted increasingly in urban areas due to the loss of forest cover.
8. Illegal activity of converting forest zones into farmland is evident before the cyclone, particularly due to desperately poor illegal immigrants practicing subsistence farming.
9. The storm caused damage to a 300-year-old baobab, a famous landmark on the island.
10. Trees, which acted as rain channels and potential flood barriers, are absent, leading to soil washing into the lagoon during torrential downpours.
11. The regional director of the National Forestry Office stated that Mayotte's tropical climate may help accelerate future tree growth.
12. The restoration of the forest cover depends on the population resisting the temptation to convert destroyed forest zones into farmland.
13. The risk of illicit replanting is high due to the destruction of crops by Cyclone Chido.
14. Another looming risk is "subsistence poaching" of turtles, as Mayotte's poorest struggle with food scarcity and slow aid delivery.
15. Bats, important for future reforestation, have lost their nesting spots in trees.
16. In 10 years, plantations may restore a forest cover of eight meters high.
17. The recovery of ecosystem services that support both human well-being and biodiversity will be a slow process.
18. The damaged natural environment alongside poor infrastructure complicates restoration and conservation activities.
19. Future reforestation efforts will need to consider the changed landscape, potential soil degradation, and altered microclimates.
20. Biodiversity preservation requires integrated strategies to recover both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
21. Education about the importance of environmental conservation is essential for the long-term preservation of Mayotte's natural environment.
22. The oil and gas industry has been exploiting the island's resources for years, contributing to environmental degradation and climate-change issues.
23. The manufacturing sector in Mayotte should adopt more sustainable practices and reduce its carbon footprint.
24. The island's industry should invest in renewable energy sources to mitigate climate-change impacts and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
25. Environmental science plays a crucial role in developing effective strategies for restoring and maintaining Mayotte's natural environment.
26. Finance and investing in sustainable development projects can help stimulate the island's economy while promotingEnvironmental-friendly practices.
27. Energy consumption and efficiency should be a priority for Mayotte's residential and commercial sectors to reduce energy waste.
28. Space and astronomy industries can provide important data regarding climate-change impacts and help predict the long-term effects of natural disasters like Cyclone Chido.
29. Personal-finance management can empower individuals to make sustainable choices and invest in environmentally-friendly businesses and lifestyle choices.

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