Analamazaotra, Madagascar
Malagasy Continent Unusual Evolution


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Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Mantad́ National Park is located in the east strip of Madagascar, few kilometres from the Indian Ocean Coast, in mountain rainforest areas (altitude 800-1100 Mt). These areas are two of the natural one’s with the maximum wilderness of Madagascar, born for conservation of biodiversity of the unique habitats of the fourth island for extension in the world
Today the country is going through a very critical historical period characterized by a strong political instability which has threatened conservation efforts made till now.
The pictures of this reportage are part of a project for biodiversity documentation, of residual natural reality and wilderness management of Madagascar. And show what we risk to lose for ever... read more

Discovering the surprises of evolution
Evolution makes Madagascar a unique place. During its evolutional history this big island- continent was early last from others lands above sea-level. So wildlife that lived there chooses different evolutional road from the rest of our Planet.
Malagasy rain-forest is a unique place in the world.
More than 90 % of plants and animals of Madagascar are endemic Trees reach the height of 30 meters, looking for light.
Tree ferns remind ancient geological ages, when the first forest of the Earth consisted really in ferns similar to these.
Others ferns, together with a lot of orchids, are epiphytes, live on the branches and don’t need roots.
Musk, lichens and mushrooms grows luxuriant everywhere, also on the leaves of the trees.
The special shape of the island and the different level of rains made it a kaleidoscope of different habitat so the species that lives in a place are different from the species who live in another and a lot of them have a small distribution area. For this reason the biodiversity conservation in Madagascar for being really effective should have a extensive net of small protected areas that cover all kind of biodiversity. This can be possible only if we recognize the international value of this places and give back to local community an economic advantage as offset for preserve the natural status because native people are always best supporters for conservation
Special Guests
The lemurs is ancients parents of monkeys that live in all the space of Madagascar, they learnt to use all the resources available. Some eat bamboo, others are insectivorous, and others prefer fruits or the best soft leaves.
There are more than 50 species of lemurs, all endemic of Madagascar, different for feeding habits, ecological needs and shape of the body.
One of the most particular characters of lemurs life is their trees locomotion ability. The smallest species move themselves in away similar to squirrels, with the help of a long and depths tail to balance their body. These species are able to take long jump. The biggest lemurs instead have often a little and slim tail and move on the middle high of the forest, clutching with the hands and the feet vertical tree-trunks.
There are more than 60 chameleons in Madagascar. The smallest is 5 cm long, the biggest more than 60 cm .
Others important endemism of Madagascar are: lichen geckos, scorpion mantides, stick insects, a lot of frogs and snakes and The Fossa (the biggest carnivorous of the island).