Student Article

Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, lies about 250 miles off Africa’s eastern coast across the Mozambique Channel. Its isolation and variety of habitats — from dry forests to rainforests — make it a biodiversity hotspot. Many species here exist nowhere else on Earth.

Fossa

One of the top predators is the fossa, a sleek carnivore that resembles a cross between a cat and a mongoose. Reaching up to 5 feet in length (tail included), the fossa is elusive, but Kirindy Forest offers one of the best chances to see one.

Aye-aye

For night explorers, Nosy Mangabe island is home to the peculiar aye-aye. With its large eyes, bat-like ears, and long middle finger used for tapping trees to find insects, this nocturnal lemur was once thought to be extinct and now thrives thanks to conservation efforts.

Giraffe-necked weevil

In Ranomafana National Park, you might encounter the giraffe-necked weevil, a brilliant red beetle named for its unusually long neck. Males use these necks to compete for mates in a sort of insect duel.

Indri

Among lemurs, the indri stands out. The largest living lemur, it wears a thick black-and-white coat and produces piercing, whale-like calls that echo through Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Some groups here are habituated, allowing for close-up views.

Verreaux’s sifaka

The Verreaux’s sifaka, nicknamed “dancing lemur,” lives in the Berenty Reserve. These agile primates are known for their unique form of terrestrial movement — bouncing sideways with arms raised high for balance.

Ring-tailed lemur

Perhaps the most iconic is the ring-tailed lemur, found in Isalo National Park. These sociable lemurs travel in troops and feed on the ground, their black-and-white striped tails held high as they move through the landscape.

From insect oddities to vocal lemurs, Madagascar’s wildlife offers a thrilling journey for naturalists and travelers alike.

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