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.
While the lemur of mainland Africa have long been extinct, those
on Madagascar live on without the threat of the monkey population.
The island is now the only place in the world where lemurs can
be found but even here they are in serious danger of dying out
as their native habitats are gradually destroyed by the energy
requirements of the local population. Sixteen species of Lemur,
including the gorilla-sized Archaeoindris lemur that once frequented
Madagascar’s beautiful countryside, have already been
lost and it is feared that many more will follow if conservation
efforts are not given the full support of the nation. |