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The Natural history of Madagascar
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2004
Year
Biodiversity LossLatin American ArchaeologyEngineeringSouth African HistoryArchaeologySocial SciencesAfrican HistoryBiogeographyPrehistoryBiodiversity ProtectionConservation BiologyBiodiversityNatural HistoryGeographyPaleoanthropologyLemursa Primate GroupNature ConservationBiodiversity ConservationEvolutionary BiologyAnthropologyPlant Species
Madagascar, isolated for 160 million years, harbors an unparalleled biodiversity with ~12,000 plant species and ~40 lemur species, many of which are endemic, making it a top global conservation priority. The book compiles work from nearly 300 experts across disciplines—geology, ecology, zoology, and conservation—to provide a comprehensive synthesis of Madagascar’s natural history, illustrated with over 100 color images and 300 black‑and‑white photographs.
Separated from the mainland of Africa for 160 million years, has evolved an incredible wealth of biodiversity, with thousands of species that can be found nowhere else on earth. For instance, of its estimated 12,000 plant species, nearly 10,000 are unique to Madagascar. Malagasy animals are just as spectacular, from its almost forty currently recognized species of lemursa primate group found only hereto the numerous species of tiny dwarf chameleons. With astounding frequency scientists discover a previously unknown species in Madagascarand at almost the same rate another natural area of habitat is degraded or destroyed, a combination that recently led conservation organizations to name one of the most important and threatened conservation priorities on the planet. The Natural History of Madagascar provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis available of this island nation's priceless biological treasures. Contributions by nearly three hundred world-renowned experts cover the history of scientific exploration in Madagascar, its geology and soils, climate, forest ecology, human ecology, marine and coastal ecosystems, plants, invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Detailed discussions of conservation efforts in highlight several successful park reserve programs that could serve as models for other areas. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book includes over one hundred color illustrations, with fifty color photos by nature photographer Harald Schutz, as well as more than three hundred black-and-white photographs and line drawings. The Natural History of Madagascar will be the invaluable reference for anyone interested in the Malagasy environment, from biologists and conservationists to policymakers and ecotourists.