Boasting some of the highest levels of biodiversity on the planet, Madagascar is an eco-tourists dream location. This legendary island lies 800 kilometres off the east coast of Africa and its relative isolation has allowed many of the original African species to survive through tens of thousands of years of evolution.

Cactus @ i-to-i

Of the 200,000 species found on Madagascar over 150,000 can be found no where else in the world, making the island an ecological treasure trove. Since the arrival of man nearly 2000 years ago Madagascar has seen the extinction of many of it’s endemic species including the giant Elephant bird and a pygmy hippo. Combine this with the knowledge that Madagascar’s species are some of the most endangered on the planet and you will begin to understand why the country is arguably the world’s highest conservation priority.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries on the planet and this not only hinders conservation efforts but also significantly contributes to the environmental threat which the country faces as local people continue to exploit the country’s precious natural resources in order to survive.