The fauna of Madagascar
A spectacular species paradise
The reason many people today are so fond of a Trip to Madagascar is due, among other things, to the extraordinary biodiversity in the Fauna and flora of this island. Madagascar developed independently from the rest of the world for many millennia, bringing a Biodiversity which is not found in any other place on this planet. Especially in the animal kingdom, the endemic species, i.e. only found on Madagascar, are extremely numerous. Among the best known representatives are probably the LemursThe number of endemic species in the Insects incomparably larger. Particularly surprising for many might be the fact that predators are almost non-existent on the island. There are only a few few crocodilesHowever, these can often only be found on expeditions under controlled conditions. For humans dangerous predatory cats or poisonous snakes, on the other hand, which feel exceedingly at home on the neighboring African continent, do not exist in Madagascar. Therefore also Expeditions and tours through the rainforests of Madagascar to be considered far less dangerous. On our Nature travelwhich we have specially compiled on the basis of some specific criteria, you will be accompanied by experienced guides who will show you the exciting Fauna of Madagascar can bring closer. Often you can discover hidden or camouflaged animals that would otherwise have remained hidden from your eye. The Wildlife of Madagascar is on our earth unique and if you have the possibility to Madagascar vacation you should take the chance to visit the national parks or nature reserves. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Madagascar's fauna is still being discovered today
Many people assume that humans have already discovered all the plants and animals there are to discover on our planet. However, the rainforests in particular provide a habitat for animals that is difficult to penetrate and not easily accessible for systematic study. Furthermore, Madagascar has long remained untouched by foreign civilizations and comparatively late, researchers and biologists strayed to the island. Many of the now known Animal species in Madagascar for example, were not discovered and documented until the 1990s. Very little is known about many of these species today, and numerous researchers are investing a great deal of time and effort in cataloging the individual species. This is also important because Madagascar's fauna is definitely to be classified as endangered. In the last decades, large parts of the original rainforest had to give way for villages, cities and plantations. Agriculture is very important in Madagascar and in order to grow the various crops, the rainforest is being cleared on a large scale. cleared. Today, only 10 percent of the original Rainforest in Madagascar present. No one knows how many species of animals may have already become extinct in recent years and decades without ever having been seen by a human being. Whoever sees a Madagascar trip who may well have the good fortune to be on a Tour through the rainforest to photograph a previously undiscovered species. This is the exciting luck of such a special Ecosystemas we are allowed to get to know it in Madagascar.
Madagascar is home to numerous endemic species
The following sections deal with a brief description of the animal species native to Madagascar. Of course, not all animal species can be presented in this context, the selection is exemplary. Some of the larger groups, will be further explained on the subpages from the fauna section.
The mammals of Madagascar
As was mentioned at the beginning, there are very few classic Predators in Madagascar. This is due, among other things, to the fact that in Madagascar, in general, only relatively few mammals are at home. The current state of research on Madagascar's fauna can be summarized as follows: Madagascar is home to around 120 different mammal species. Alone 100 of them are included in the suborder of the Lemurs to locate. The lemurs are among the most famous animals of Madagascar, which is due not only to a famous animated film, but also to the posh and unusual nature of these animals. Among the mammals are also the so-called Fossa's. This is a member of the family of the Madagascar predators. This systematic family, established only recently, includes very few members: only eight living species belong to the Malagasy carnivores. Beside the fossa also belong the Ringtailmungo and the Narrow strip mongoose to the endemic predators of Madagascar.
The bird species of Madagascar
While the general Wildlife of Madagascar is made up of around 95 percent endemic species, the figure for birds is only around 50 percent. This is due to the fact that most birds are airborne and it is easy for them to cover the distance to the nearest mainland. Therefore, external influences are most noticeable in the bird life of Madagascar. In total there are about 260 different species of birds that are native to Madagascar. This includes for example the Malachite kingfisherwhich can also be found in Germany from time to time. Also particularly striking is the Madagascar Weaver, in which especially the male specimens impress with an unusually colored plumage. The blue vangaalso known as the vanga shrike or blue shrike, is a complete family of birds found only on Madagascar and the Comoros. Many of the total 21 species of this family are now threatened, because the clearing of the rainforest destroys their habitat.
The reptiles of Madagascar
The world of Reptiles in Madagascar is breathtakingly versatile and varied. More than 370 different species live on the so-called Red Island and have adapted perfectly to their individual living conditions. Tortoises in Madagascar, and six different iguana species. This is so astonishing alone because otherwise only in America other iguana species exist. In neighboring Africa, on the other hand, there is no native species. Also Geckos feel right at home in Madagascar, as they are represented by around 70 different species. Among the most exotic reptiles, however, are probably the Chameleonsof which there are more than 80 endemic species in Madagascar. Particularly alarming: almost 40 percent of the reptiles living in Madagascar are currently Endangered by extinction. Snakes, lizards and turtles are equally affected by this.
The invertebrates and the frogs in Madagascar
Insects and butterflies feel more at home in Madagascar than in almost any other place in the world. There are around 100.000 different species of insects that live on the island, about 300 different species of breathtakingly beautiful butterflies, and well 300 frog species. By the way, especially in the case of insects, frogs and butterflies, researchers assume that Madagascar still hides numerous undiscovered species. The reason that these species have not yet been discovered is due to the small size of these animals. Since there are still so many animal species hiding on Madagascar that no one has seen yet, it is worthwhile right now to find a corresponding Trip to Madagascar to undertake. Otherwise, if the previous developments on the island are not stopped soon, it will be over with the breathtaking Madagascar fauna. Plan your very special Madagascar vacation so it is best to contact us directly today.
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Villa Sibylle Antananarivo (Madagascar)
