Madagascar

Madagascar Animals – A Most Unique Safari Experience

The Origins of Biodiversity

The unique ecology of the island is created by geographic isolation. IN turn this resulted in the unique evolution of Madagascar animals. Around 120 million years ago the super continent Gondwana split up. Prior to this the island had been part of the Indian continental plate. However, 88 million years ago as the Indian subcontinent drifted north away from Gondwana, the island split off from the Indian plate and remained near the African continent. Today, it is the 4th largest island in the world and remains in isolation separated from the African mainland by the Mozambique Channel.

Unique Madagascar Animals

This 88 million years of isolation has created a unique global travel hot spot of biodiversity. Therefore, 90% of the plant species and Madagascar animals that exist here are found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar Lemurs evolved independently from monkeys on the island and have developed into over 100 different species. I had rather extensive encounters with 3 species of lemur including the ring tailed lemur, brown lemur and also the nocturnal mouse lemur species that we discovered.

The many different lemur species on Madagascar are by far the most popular and recognizable. However, additional animal species also live on this exotic island and make this one of the best global travel destinations. For example chameleons are rather abundant and if you are lucky you will encounter some.

Endangered Madagascar Animals

Unfortunately, some of the Madagascar animals are endangered species. The government of Madagascar has limited resources however, there are many national parks where the animals are protected. Additionally, park maintenance and protection of animal habitat creates employment opportunities for the local residents. As a result, endangered species such as the albino blind fish and the radiated tortoise can be found at Tsimanampetsotsa Nature Reserve near Anakao.

The radiated tortoise is an example of an endangered species in Madagascar that can still be encountered quite easily if you happen to be at Tsimanampetsotsa Nature Reserve.

Plants and Madagascar Animals

There are several locations to view the unique plant biodiversity that the island has to offer. To view trees and plants in Madagascar the Spiny Forest in Ifaty is a prime location.

Isalo National Park and Tsimanampetsotsa Nature Reserve also have excellent specimens for viewing. As a result, travelers can find multiple examples of Banyan trees, Octopus Trees and 6 of the world’s 9 species of Baobab. Furthermore, other endemic plants on the island include hundreds of unique species of orchid.

Big Sharks In Madagascar Waters 

Also, there are big sharks in the area and if you are so inclined it is likely that the local Vezo fisherman could take you out shark fishing.

The best fishing is offshore near the reefs and fortunately the villages in southern Madagascar are all fishing oriented. Therefore, everyone in town is a fisherman and has a boat. Thus, booking your fishing expedition will be easy and affordable so you can go out everyday if you like.