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Under Construction
CI In Madagascar, Pioneering a New Model for Conservation
What Makes Madagascar Magical? . . . . Endemism gone wild!
1. Madagascar broke away from Africa some 165 years ago with its cargo of bizarre animals and plants that have been evolving in isolation ever since.
2. Over 80% of the wildlife is unique to the island which means it is endemic - found no place else in the world! AND much of it is startlingly different from anything seen anywhere else on earth! This makes Madagascar one of the world's top
conservation priorities!
3. Over 90% of all mammal species are endemic! With all 72 of it's primate species being endemic, Madagascar is without a doubt the world's highest primate conversation priority!
4. Over 95% of Malagasy reptiles are endemic - with over 384 known species and new ones being found almost every month!
5. Over 50% of the 300+ species of birds arealso endemic!
6. Over 99% of Madagascar's frogs are endemic! With only 220 identified - the true count might be more like 300 after researchers are finished!
7. Over 89% of the 13,000 different species of plants are endemic! This makes the flora just as unique as the fauna! Including forests of spiny "octopus trees" and bottle-shaped baobobs thousands of years old!
8. Over 59% of it's freshwater fishes are endemic. And there are over100,000 species of insects!
9. At least 25 species of large mammals have gone extinct since the introduction of man. This includes 16 species of lemur - one believed to be the size of a gorilla! With your help, our goal is to ensure no more species are lost forever!
Only 10% of Madagascar's original forest remains! Habitat destruction is the #1 threat to Madagascar's magical wildlife. Our project works closely with the Malagasy government and people on solutions to ensure the future of these magnificent creatures for years to come! Thanks for your help!
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