Madagascar's flora and fauna is incredibly unique, only 10 percent of it can be found elsewhere in the world . It is also home to a quarter of the world's primates and half of all chameleons. Add to this, several hundred types of frogs, snakes and bats and you'll soon see why Madagascar is so incredibly special.
What kind of ecosystem does Madagascar have?
Madagascar is a megadiverse country with a high concentration of endemic species. Its ecosystems include many types of forests, savannah, steppes, rivers, lakes, wetlands, mangroves, drylands and reefs .
What is so unique about Madagascar's ecosystem?
Madagascar is unusual not only for its endemic species , but also for the species that are conspicuously absent. Because of Madagascar's geographic isolation, many groups of plants and animals are entirely absent from the island. ... This distinctive biodiversity is a result of Madagascar's geographic isolation.
What is happening to the forest of Madagascar and what is the outcome?
Sadly, much of Madagascar has been destroyed , by the gradual action of small farmers and herdsmen. Human populations have grown long beyond the point at which these activities can be practiced without permanent destruction. As the forest is destroyed, so is the habitat for Madagascar's unique plant and animal species.
What is the most unique animal in Madagascar?
- The Madagascar Pochard. Now, to start, we have a Pochard duck. ...
- Giraffe Weevil. This is a rather strange looking insect as you can see. ...
- The Blue Coua. Madagascar is home to almost 250 different species of birds! ...
- The Panther Chameleon. ...
- Tomato frog. ...
- Sifaka. ...
- The Indri. ...
- Fossa.
What are three interesting facts about Madagascar?
- Madagascar isn't a Disney film setting — it is a real country located in Africa. ...
- Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island. ...
- Madagascar is home to 70 species of lemurs found nowhere else on Earth. ...
- More than 50% of the world's chameleon population is found on Madagascar.
What are some problems in Madagascar?
Madagascar's major environmental problems include: Deforestation and habitat destruction ; Agricultural fires; Erosion and soil degradation; Over exploitation of living resources including hunting and over-collection of species from the wild; Introduction of alien species.
Why is Madagascar so special?
Best known for its lemurs (primitive relatives of monkeys, apes, and humans), colorful chameleons, stunning orchids, and towering baobab trees, Madagascar is home to some of the world's most unique flora and fauna . ... This distinctive biodiversity is a result of Madagascar's geographic isolation.
What is the main culture in Madagascar?
The culture of Madagascar is rooted in diverse tribal heritages and customs, with ancestor respect and traditional festivals at its heart. Although Islam and Christianity are the dominant religions, most villages defer to a soothsayer and healer to predict the future and cure illness.
Are Lions in Madagascar?
In real life, Madagascar has no lions , giraffes, zebras, or hippos. (The fossil record shows that hippos once lived on the island, but scientists think they went extinct about 1,000 years ago. These hippos, known as pygmy hippos, were much smaller than their African relatives.)
Why is Madagascar losing its rainforest?
Primary causes of forest loss include slash-and-burn for agricultural land (a practice known locally as tavy) and for pasture, selective logging for precious woods or construction material, the collection of fuel wood (including charcoal production) and, in certain sites, forest clearing for mining.
Why is Madagascar so poor?
The island nation's unique and isolated geography is also a contributing factor to poverty. For the country's rural poor, who largely subsist on farming and fishing, climate change has been particularly detrimental. Water levels continue to rise, and Madagascar's location makes it very susceptible to cyclones.
What is being done to protect Madagascar?
Madagascar now has 52,000 sq km of protected land and sea, and is on track to go beyond its original target. Most of the island's species-rich forests will be protected . Good management of the protected areas is essential, so WWF had helped mobilize US$33million in a conservation fund to provide ongoing income.
Which country has the most unique animals?
Madagascar is one of the world's most special places. An island slightly larger than the state of California, Madagascar is home to a bewildering array of wildlife from dancing lemurs to absurdly colorful chameleons. Eighty percent of the island's species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth.
Are there tigers in Madagascar?
It's paradise for wildlife lovers
Among its resident animals are more than half the world's chameleons and dozens of species of lemur. Unlike the film Madagascar, however, you won't see any tigers, giraffes or hippo.
How many animals are only found in Madagascar?
Madagascar is home to some of the unique and unusual species of wildlife in the whole world. The island of Madagascar is home to almost 25,000 species of wild animals with a good number being endangered species.
