2.
Unique
nature
WILDLIFE | Birdwatching | Whalewatching | PLANTS
LAKES | Ramsar SITES | GEOLOGICAL WONDERS
ZOOS AND BOTANICal GARDENS
WILDLIFE
This is characterized by very high
levels of endemic species and no
big cats. Apart from lizards and
some varieties of scorpions and
centipedes, there are virtually no
species dangerous to man.
Invertebrates
Scientists have recorded some 100,000 species of invertebrates
including many stick insects, praying mantises, moths,
centipedes, dragonflies and beetles. Of the 3,000 species of
butterflies, more than 2,900 are endemic. This includes the
largest butterfly in the world, Argema Mittrei with a 30 cm
wingspan, the brilliantly-coloured Chrisiridia Madagascariensis,
or the swallowtail butterfly Papilo Delalandei.
The island’s most beautiful beetle of the island is definitely the
red and white giraffe beetle, so named because of its long neck.
Of the 400 species of spiders, the only really dangerous one is
the aptly-named Black Widow.
Reptiles and amphibians
Chameleons could symbolize Madagascar just as well as lemurs.
Two thirds of the world’s species live on the Great Island, from the
smallest (Chamaeleo Nasatus 10 cm) to the largest (Chamaeleo
oustaleti 70 cm). A protected species, the Nile crocodile is
concentrated in certain areas with large rivers. Feared or revered,
these lizards sometimes have a special place in popular beliefs
which equate them with the ancestors.
© Hasindranto Ndrianarimanana
Tortoises, including the radiated tortoise and the ploughshare
tortoise, are endangered species subject to trafficking. Several
species of sea turtles are found among the coral reefs, laying
their eggs on deserted beaches.
Frogs are among the most colourful creatures on the island,
dancing multi-coloured ballets on wetland vegetation. More
than 150 species have been recorded, and others are still being
identified.
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Fish
92% of freshwater fish species
are endemic. Coral reefs are
home to a multitude of fish of
all shapes and colours, as well as
remarkable species such as manta
rays. At certain times the largest fish in
the world, the whale shark, may be found in the
waters of Nosy Be, and, if luck is on your side, the oldest one,
which is the coelacanth.
© Malagasy Tours
© Hasindranto Ndrianarimanana
2
© Transcontinents / Richard Bohan
The gems of the island’s wildlife, lemurs, have
large eyes for easy night vision and thick,
sometimes woolly, coats. The smallest lemurs
are no bigger than your thumb while the Indri
is the size of a small boy. The ring-tailed lemur
© Eric Razafimbelo
The puma-like fosa is the largest carnivore
in Madagascar. 5 species of mongoose are
endemic, including the Amber Mountain ringtailed one. The Tenrecs, resembling hedgehogs,
are very prolific with litters of up to 32 young. As
for bats, they have diversified into 28 species.
© Hasina Razafindratsimba
Mammals
is familiar to tourists thanks to its upright posture and friendly
nature. For its part, the aye aye, saved from extinction in the sixties,
remains a mystery to science. The discovery of new species is
far from being over. For instance, among many others, the 80 gr
Allocebus Trichotis which was believed to be extinct (1997), the
Lepilemur Mitsinjonesis discovered as the name suggests near
Mitsinjo (2004), the 300 gr Mirza Zaza, and the Lehilahy Tsara,
a literal translation of Steve Goodman, a scientist from Chicago’s
Field Museum (2005).
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