Wildlife of Madagascar

Madagascar is sometimes called "the eighth continent" for its distinct biogeography.

Understand

Lemur

As Madagascar has been an isolated landmass for 88 million years, most species are unique to the island (80-90% endemic). 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 behaviors similar to unrelated species on other continents.

Mammals

Lemurs are a superfamily of primates with around 100 species, endemic to Madagascar.

The fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) is a cat-like carnivore.

Tenrecs, also called otter shrews, are a family of mammals which resemble moles, hedgehogs and other small mammals on other continents.

Reptiles

Of the 290+ reptile species in Madagascar, more than 90% are endemic.

Only discovered in 2021, the nano chameleon (Brookesia nana) is thought to be the world's smallest reptile. It's about the size of a cockroach and, unlike other chameleons, it stays a single color (a dusky shade of brown).

Flora

Madagascar has nearly 15,000 known plant species, of which 80 per cent are only found on the island. The Madagascar orchids are particularly famous.

Destinations

• 1 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.  
• 2 Andringitra National Park.  
• 3 Ile aux Nattes.  
• 4 Isalo National Park.  
• 5 Masoala National Park.  
• 6 Ranomafana National Park.  
• 7 Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve.