Unit 5 From Book Ch. 24 S. Couch. » 1. The Flora » Madagascar is home to almost 15,000 plant species, and over 80% of these are endemic to the island.

Madagascar

Unit 5 From Book Ch. 24

S. Couch

7 Reasons to visit Madagascar

» 1. The Flora» Madagascar is home to almost 15,000 plant species, and

over 80% of these are endemic to the island and found nowhere else in the world. The spiny forests of the south are home to countless shrubs and trees from the Didereaceae family – all brutally spikey, hence the forests name. Orchid lovers can have a field day looking at the 860 species, of which 650 are indigenous, as well as the worlds eight Boabab species (6 are endemic) and the 165 species of palm trees that can only be found in certain regions of the island.

» 2. The dramatic geography» Jungle, dry forests, deserts and xeric shrub

lands, high peaks, escarpments and plateaus, swamps and lagoons – Madagascar has it all. For the size of the island, Madagascar has an overwhelming amount of stunning and diverse landscape.

» 3. The People and The Culture» The 22 million inhabitants of the island are a mix of

African, Arab and Indian origin and make up the Malagasy ethnic groups. A supremely welcoming and warm pre-disposition makes travelling and interacting with locals a delight. Many, especially in the South, have yet to be truly touched by western society, and therefore, profound cultural experiences can be found everywhere. Due to their unique identities, the ethnic sub-groups of Madagascar adhere to their own set of beliefs, practices and ways of life while holding onto a few core cultural features that creates a strong Malagasy identity.

» 4. The Coast» Miles and miles of stunning coastline wrap around

the island. Species of palm trees line the waters, with traditional wood carved canoes either hiding between the shaded trees, or are seen trawling the crystal waters by fisherman. Fresh oysters are always an option on any beach, opened by a rusty knife and served with a homemade spicy sauce. The Indian Ocean provides the perfect accompaniment for swimming, snorkeling and some laid back, mellow surfing.

» 5. The Transport» By sea or water, Madagascar provides some

entertaining transport options. For lack of any public transport, small canoes are used for light travel through lagoons and swamps, larger square paddle boats are utilized when the load is heavier, say a flock of pigs, and sheep lorries are a commonly used, and the most comfortable, form of road travel. Be prepared to relax and take in the views, because these means of transport will take you nowhere quickly.

» 6. The Reforestation» Over 90% of the islands unique forests have been

lost to the traditional agricultural practice of slash and burn. There are now an abundance of organizations working with local people, and large areas of now uninhabited land, to try and educate alternative practices and reforest large areas. Indigenous tree nurseries are commonplace, especially in the South, where thick jungles and spinney forest regions have been affected the most.

» 7. The Wildlife» As with the flora, Madagascar’s fauna is exploding with

indigenous wildlife. The absence of monkeys has created a niche for lemurs – all 103 species of them!. The island is the only place in the world where these fun loving creatures can be found. 60 of the 300 bird species are also endemic to the island, as well as the 240 reptile species that have evolved. Madagascar is home to two thirds of the world’s chameleons species, as well as a plethora of endemic invertebrates; butterflies, spiders, dragonflies……the list goes on and on!

5 Things To Be Aware Of

» 1. There are many mosquitos in Berenty Reserve. The chalets, although they have mosquito nets, let in a lot of insects. We were constantly finding them inside our nets during the night and consequently got bitten a lot. This was November and I'm not sure if this is typical for other months in the year

» 2. For sure, to get sick and stay into hospital are not the aims of your travel over here. Still, this is something to be known: Madagascar is not (yet) a country where to fall ill. I've heard so many bad (even lethal) experiences in my family & friends circle about care units & hospitals (esp. public hospitals) over here.

» 3. Though locals drink water from tap (I do.. I am still a local over there...), just don't do it. Otherwise, you won't enjoy your travel in Madagascar as you will have to be stuck in the toilets most of times. Also, in urban areas, to clean up running water, they use chloride & it smells & tastes... chloride.

» 4. A good reason to go to Madagascar is to see wild animals. You sometimes have to do some effort to find them. However , lucky you!! There is one species of animal that will do an effort to find you. An all time favorite of many who traveled the tropical rainforest : Leeches After the rain , they are waiting for you to pass by.

» 5. There is a whole world of creatures and bacteria waiting for you....under the water level.

Sources

» Chapter 24» Pages - 421-439