For anyone wanting to see amazing wildlife, Madagascar has it in spades. The world’s fourth largest island has an abundance of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. Around 90 percent of its plant and animal species are endemic.
Since splitting from the Gondwana supercontinent around 135 million years ago, and subsequently from India about 88 million years ago, Madagascar’s location has allowed its flora and fauna to evolve in relative isolation.
Among its endemic animals are more than 100 species of lemur, from the colourful, striking, critically endangered Diademed Sifaka, to the Indri, the largest living lemur, known for its haunting songs.
Biodiversity hotspot
Other endemic species include the carnivorous fossa and many beautiful birds. As recently as 2021, a tiny reptile called the Brookesia nana (otherwise known as the nano-chameleon), was discovered. The ‘smallest reptile on earth’ joins more than 260 species of reptiles on the island.
Madagascar is not one of the easiest countries to visit – it’s a Third World country facing many challenges — but as photographer David McIlroy discovered, it is rich in photo opportunities. Here we present a selection of his wildlife photos, taken on his recent trip to Madagascar.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also be interested in this Food Wine Travel story on travelling in Madagascar, which has more of David’s stunning images.
All photos © David McIlroy
