AsMadagascar has been an isolated landmass for 88 million years, many species are unique to the island. New species are continuously found even in the 21st century. Similar to Australasian wildlife, the Madagascar wildlife is a case study of convergent evolution, in which animal species (in particular mammals) have evolved body shapes and
Thepalm tree is one of Madagascar's most well-known trees, and the island boasts of having 200 individual species of palms. The number of palm species found in Madagascar is more than triple the number located on the African mainland. The traveler's tree is one of the trees that are most often planted.
Ataxidermy mount of a tenrec in defensive mode, Horniman Museum and Gardens, London. A tenrec (/ Ë t É n r É k /) is any species of mammal within the afrotherian family Tenrecidae, which is endemic to Madagascar. Tenrecs are a very diverse group; as a result of convergent evolution some resemble hedgehogs, shrews, opossums, rats, andMadagascaris home to 5% of the planetâs global terrestrial biodiversity, but covers only 0.4% of the global landmass. Around 90% of Madagascarâs plants and animals are found nowhere else on Earth. The island is home to the highest number of chameleon species in the worldâabout half of all chameleons.
Madagascarsaw a relatively recent mass extinction event about 1,000 years ago, when gorilla-sized lemurs, towering elephant birds, and grand tortoises were all wiped out from the island.Madagascar the worldâs fourth largest island, is a unique place. Nine-tenths of its plants arenât found anywhere else on Earth. The island is home to a quarter of the worldâs primate species, including around 100 types of lemur. But as recently as 2003, only 3.2% of this island wonderland was protected. Rich areas of ancient forest were
Madagascaris a biodiversity treasure trove, hosting 5% of all global biodiversity. About 80% of the species of plants and animals â many unique to Madagascar â occur in forests. This rich biodiversity is threatened by human activities, especially slash and burn agriculture. Land degradation is a serious problem for Malagasy people, as their livelihoods are BBCHorizon Presents Madagascar: A Treetop Odyssey. Madagascar is home to one of the last untouched rainforests and some of the rarest plants and animals on Ayeayes can be found only on the island of Madagascar. These rare animals may not look like primates at first glance, but they are related to chimpanzees, apes, and humans. Coloring and Anatomy