A Biological Wonderland
Madagascar is often referred to as the eighth continent due to its impressive biodiversity. Approximately 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on the planet, making the island a unique display of evolution. These include the famous lemurs, numerous bird species, and a variety of exciting and strange insects.
The Bemaraha Tsingy: The Forest of Stone
The Bemaraha Tsingy is a reserve that boasts what can be seen as a forest made of stone. "Tsingy" is a term from the local people meaning "where one cannot walk barefoot". Towering, sharp limestone structures give the forest an otherworldly effect.
Birthplace of the Rufous Vanga
The Rufous Vanga is a bird species found only in Madagascar. Its feather coloration varies depending on the sex of the bird; males are black and white, whereas females are completely brown. Scientists marvel at the bird’s adapted beak shape, which allows for versatile feeding routines, from catching insects to tearing off pieces of fruit.
World’s Fourth Largest Island
Size-wise, Madagascar is no small matter. It's the fourth-largest island in the world, after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo. Covering an area of approximately 226,917 square miles, it's almost the size of Texas!
Land of the Lemurs
Madagascar is the only natural habitat of lemurs in the world. There are currently 113 recognized species of these furry primates, ranging from the tiny, 30 grams mouse lemur to the relatively large, 9.5 kg Indri lemur. All known species of lemurs are considered threatened or endangered, making their conservation a high priority.
Malagasy: The Official Language
The native people of Madagascar are known as the Malagasy. They have their own unique tongue, also called Malagasy, which is the official language on the island. Interestingly, the Malagasy language originates from Southeast Asia, which hints at the country's historical migration patterns.
Rice Central
Madagascar is one of the world's leading producers of rice. Rice is deeply rooted in Malagasy culture; it's consumed in almost every meal and is a symbol of life and prosperity. Some ethnic groups on the island even believe that humans originated from rice.
Fossilized Treasure
Madagascar is a hotspot for fossils, especially of dinosaurs and ancient birds. You can check out some of Madagascar's ancient fauna at the University of Antananarivo's paleontology lab, which is open to the public. There, scientists have fossil records extending back to the time of dinosaurs, some 200 million years ago.
The Real Vanilla
Madagascar is the largest global producer and exporter of vanilla. The island's unique climate conditions provide an ideal environment for growing the highly sought-after Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. Around 80% of the world's natural vanilla comes from this island nation.
The Baobab Avenue
The country is home to six of the world’s nine species of Baobabs. The Avenue of the Baobabs is one of the most visited sites in the Menabe region, attracting tourists with its majestic, towering baobab trees that are hundreds of years old.
Lost Caste of Pirates
In the late 17th century, Madagascar was home to a pirate utopia, known as Libertalia. This pirate haven was rumoured to be a self-governing colony where pirates could live out their days in harmony, free from prosecution.
Engaging Traditions of Turning the Bones
The Malagasy people have a unique ritual called "Famadihana," or turning of the bones. In this ceremony, they exhume the remains of their loved ones, wrap them in a new shroud before dancing with them around the tomb to live music.
World's Smallest Chameleon
The world's smallest chameleon, Brookesia Micra, is endemic to Madagascar. Reaching a maximum length of just 29 mm, it's also among the smallest reptiles worldwide. Scientists discovered this diminutive chameleon on a small islet off the coast of northern Madagascar.
Zebu: More Than Just Livestock
In Madagascar, Zebu cattle are more than just a source of meat and milk. These animals are often a focal point in various rituals and ceremonies, representing wealth and prosperity. Some residents even use Zebu as a form of currency.
Polygon Wood: Mirrored Nature
Madagascar is home to a unique geological phenomena called 'The Three Sisters' or 'The Polygon Wood.' Over time, the wood's trees expanded, retracted, and split, creating perfect polygonal fractures. The polygonal shapes mirror perfectly throughout the forest, creating an incredible, geometric landscape.
Rich in Rainforests
Madagascar has some of the richest rainforests in the world. The island’s rainforests are a kaleidoscope of exotic wildlife, colourful insects, and bizarre plants. However, these forests are under threat, with only 10% of the original rainforest remaining.
Incredible Insect House
Madagascar’s Giraffe Weevil, so named for its long giraffe-like neck, is both strange-looking and fascinating, with the male's neck being two to three times longer than the female's. An excellent example of Madagascar's unique biodiversity, this beetle is another species found nowhere else.
Illustrious Indian Ocean
Madagascar, located in the Indian Ocean, has the third largest coral reef system in the world – the Toliara reef system. This reef stretches for over 200 km, offering an impressive underwater universe for snorkelers and divers.
The Bara Tribe: Bull-Wrestling Aficionados
The Bara tribe in Madagascar respect and admire Zebu so much that they have a traditional practice of bull-wrestling. Young men must wrestle with Zebu to prove their manhood and strength before they can marry.
Rakotomavo: The Chameleon Hunter
Rakotomavo is a Malagasy biologist who has discovered more new species of chameleons than anyone else – over half of the known species, in fact. His extensive work has contributed greatly to our knowledge of these fascinating creatures and the biodiversity of Madagascar.