Madagascar's towering baobab trees, spiny forests, rare primates and a rich cultural heritage form the island's distinct identity. WWF has been active here for more than 3 decades, working with local communities to protect Madagascar’s unique environment.
Madagascar
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Baobab trees at sunset. Morondava, Madagascar.
Where is Madagascar?
Madagascar and surrounding region are highlighted in red.
View WWF Critical Regions of the World in a larger map
View WWF Critical Regions of the World in a larger map
Land of the lemurs
Separated from the African continent for millions of years, Madagascar's plants and animals have evolved like nowhere else in the world. So unique that the island nation is often referred to as the 8th continent.
Topping the list of rare and exotic species are the world-famous big-eyed, pointy-nosed primates - lemurs.
Lemurs vary greatly in size, appearance and behaviour - from the tiny pygmy mouse lemur to the large white and black panda-looking indri.
There is the sifaka, known as the "dancing" lemur because of its unusual ballet-like movement when sashaying across open areas, while the ring-tailed lemur is easily recognized by its long, black and white ringed tail.
Some live in the country's moist, tropical rainforests, while others live in dry forests and desert areas.
As diverse as they are, lemurs have one thing in common - they are all in some way in danger of becoming extinct.
Lemurs vary greatly in size, appearance and behaviour - from the tiny pygmy mouse lemur to the large white and black panda-looking indri.
There is the sifaka, known as the "dancing" lemur because of its unusual ballet-like movement when sashaying across open areas, while the ring-tailed lemur is easily recognized by its long, black and white ringed tail.
Some live in the country's moist, tropical rainforests, while others live in dry forests and desert areas.
As diverse as they are, lemurs have one thing in common - they are all in some way in danger of becoming extinct.
Ring-tailed lemur. Analamazaotra Special Reserve, Madagascar.
Global Ideas is a series of videos courtesy of Deutsche Welle.
Global Ideas is a series of videos courtesy of Deutsche Welle. They showcase people and projects whose innovative ideas are helping combat global warming.
International problems, local conservation
Andringitra National Park, Madagascar.
One reason lemurs and other species are so endangered is that their habitats are being cut down at an alarming rate.
Less than 10% of Madagascar's original forest cover exists today. Most has been cleared for agriculture, cattle grazing and firewood.
Many animals and plants are also threatened by the international wildlife trade. Chameleons, geckos, snakes and tortoises are the most targeted.
In an effort to revert the trend of biodiversity loss, WWF is working on a number of conservation efforts, including working with the government to create and expand protected areas.
WWF has been active in Madagascar for more than 3 decades, providing local communities with the support necessary to manage natural resources effectively. Many of the community-based conservation projects focus on sustainable income opportunities such as ecotourism.
Many animals and plants are also threatened by the international wildlife trade. Chameleons, geckos, snakes and tortoises are the most targeted.
In an effort to revert the trend of biodiversity loss, WWF is working on a number of conservation efforts, including working with the government to create and expand protected areas.
WWF has been active in Madagascar for more than 3 decades, providing local communities with the support necessary to manage natural resources effectively. Many of the community-based conservation projects focus on sustainable income opportunities such as ecotourism.
When local communities have the responsibility to manage their natural resources, they tend to protect them better and use them in a sustainable way.
Endemic to the central eastern forests of Madagascar, Parson's chameleons have seen their numbers decline due to collection for the international pet trade.
