As my journey through Madagascar drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the incredible diversity of life this island holds. It's easy to forget how unique and precious some of these species are, often because their existence is so closely tied to a single place. Madagascar’s isolation from the rest of the world for millions of years gave its wildlife a rare chance to evolve without outside interference. No predators barging in, no foreign competition, leaving nature to do its own thing.
Just look at the lemurs. Over a hundred species, each with its own unique set of features. Some have bright orange eyes that seem to glow in the dark, while others are cloaked in thick, silky coats ranging from charcoal grey to reddish brown or even feature striped tails. Their diversity in size, colour, and behaviour is astonishing.
Then there’s the fossa, a creature that took me by surprise with its stealthy, almost mystical presence. As Madagascar’s apex predator, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of its ecosystem.
How about the chameleons? From those barely bigger than a fingernail to the dazzlingly vibrant panther chameleon, these intriguing reptiles are masters of adaptation. Watching them change colour or vanish into the foliage was a complete marvel.
But Madagascar isn’t just about animals. Its landscape is equally diverse, with the baobab trees standing out as my absolute favourites. Their thick, smooth trunks and twisted branches create a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere, much like the spiny forests that seem to have stepped straight out of a sci-fi movie.
As I reflected on all I had experienced, it became clear how fragile this island paradise truly is. Madagascar’s isolation allowed its remarkable wildlife and landscapes to thrive, but the rapid loss of habitat and the threats to its ecosystems made me acutely aware of its vulnerability. I couldn’t help but wonder how much longer I’d be able to witness the lemurs hopping between trees or see the baobabs standing tall against the sky. The beauty I had encountered felt like a fleeting moment, a reminder to cherish what we have before it slips away.
This is the first of three animal conservation challenges offered to bring attention to animals on the endangered list. 5% of the entry fee goes straight to Planet Madagascar - helping save endangered lemurs and supporting local forest communities.
I did this on a different team and thoroughly enjoyed all the diverse animals.
* 110 miles each on the team
* 21 postcards received
* 15 local spots viewed
* 20 collectible cards (super cool content)
* 50 trees planted (as a team)
I'm headed for the Galapagos Islands next to help save the tortoise!
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