Unusual animals of Madagascar. Endemic and rare animals of the island of Madagascar Dangerous animals of Madagascar
Madagascar is home to some unique and unusual species of fauna. The island is home to almost 25,000 species of wildlife, many of which are endangered. Over the past 2,000 years, Madagascar's biologically rich forests have been reduced by almost 90%, largely due to agriculture and other commercial activities such as logging.
The massive outbreak has brought several island animals to the brink of extinction. Lemurs, which exclusively inhabit Madagascar, are the most endangered and are listed on the Red List of Threatened Species. The bamboo lemur, named after its favorite food, is critically endangered because its habitat has been reduced to 4% of its original size.
Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean on the southeast coast of Africa, and is the 4th largest island in the world. This is a place dominated by endemic species of animals and plants that are found nowhere else in the world. The island was isolated for several million years, allowing animals and plants to evolve and diversify in a small area.
About 170 million years ago, Madagascar was a landlocked territory within the continent of Gondwana. As a result of the movement of the earth's crust, Madagascar and India separated from South America and Africa, and then from Antarctica and Australia. Around 88 million years ago, India also separated from Madagascar, allowing animals on the island to evolve in relative isolation.
Lemurs
Lemurs are primates that look like an animal similar to a dog, cat and squirrel. They exhibit incredibly unique and exciting behavior, including singing sounds reminiscent of whales. Today there are more than thirty species of lemurs in Madagascar, ranging in size from the 25 g dwarf mouse lemur to the largest indri lemur weighing over 12 kg. Lemurs are one of the most endangered animals on the entire planet, and according to the IUCN Red List, they are considered critically endangered, with 22 species critically endangered; 48 species are endangered and 20 are vulnerable.
Fossa
The Fossa lives in the forests of Madagascar and is a close relative of the mongoose. It grows up to 1.8 m in length from tail to nose and weighs up to 12 kg. The animal has a slender body and looks more like a mongoose than a mongoose. The Fossa uses its long tail to move quickly through the trees. The animal is classified as a critically endangered species and is listed on the IUCN Red List due to its habitat loss. Today, less than 10% of Madagascar's original forest cover remains, which is also the only home of the fossa.
Madagascar comet
Madagascar comet ( Argema Mittrei) is one of the most beautiful butterflies in the world, found only in Madagascar. The wingspan can reach 20 cm. The insect has a bright yellow color and long “tails” on the lower wings. Females are wider, their wings are round, and their tail is shorter than that of males. Until now, these beautiful animals do not have protected status, and their population size has not been established.
Panther chameleon
The panther chameleon is endemic to Madagascar and other nearby islands. It has the most variety of colors of any chameleon and is most sought after by reptile traders. Like other chameleons, the panther chameleon has a raised nape. When hunting, it uses its tongue with a suction cup at the end. This species is least endangered.
Fantastic leaf-tailed gecko
Fantastic leaf-tailed gecko ( Uroplatus Phantasticus) is a stunning reptile that can camouflage itself in its environment. Its body is similar to dead leaves, which helps the animal hide from predators. The gecko is covered in patterned skin and its tail looks like it has been chewed by insects. All these features help it blend in well with the surrounding foliage. Fantastic leaf-tailed geckos vary widely in color, but they are generally brownish with some spots on the belly, which sets them apart from other similar species.
They are nocturnal reptiles with large eyes that are suitable for hunting insects in the dark. They also have sticky scales under their toes and strong claws that allow them to move quickly through trees. Geckos live in a specific habitat and are not tolerant of any changes. Due to their appearance, leaf-tailed geckos are beloved pets and are one of the best-selling species. Recently, there has been a decline in population numbers in the wild.
Tomato frog
Also known as tomato narrowmouth frogs, these frogs are found only in Madagascar, mainly in the northwestern part of the island. As a rule, they lead a terrestrial lifestyle and are common in forested areas. Due to deforestation, their habitat has been destroyed, but they appear to adapt well to changed conditions and can be found in gardens and plantations.
There are three types of tomato frogs: Dazzophus antongilli, Dyscophus guineti And Dyscophus insularis. Of the three, D.antogilli is endangered due to deforestation and trapping for keeping as pets. These frogs mate during the rainy season, in shallow, slow-moving water. They are brightly colored and can secrete a nasty substance when threatened, although it is not toxic but can irritate the mucous membrane.
Red foodie
Also called the Madagascar fody, this bird is native to Madagascar and other nearby islands such as the Comoros, Seychelles and Mauritius, and the species has recently been found as far away as the Arabian Peninsula. They grow to about 12.5-13.5 cm and weigh about 14-19 g. Males have bright plumage on the chest and head, while the wings, tail and eye area have dark feathers. The plumage varies widely from orange to yellowish, and during breeding the males molt and become olive-brown like the females. The species is least endangered.
Madagascar hissing cockroach
The Madagascar hissing cockroach is one of the most fascinating endemic animal species on the island. It has an oval shape and a shiny brown body without wings, but with a pair of raised horns in the males. During conflicts, these insects hiss, which is how they got their name. Unlike most insects, which create noise through body parts or vibration, the Madagascar cockroach hisses by contracting its abdomen and forcing air through its spiracles. The insects can live from two to five years and grow up to 5-7 cm in length.
Madagascar bat
The Madagascar bat is a nocturnal primate that lives primarily in trees. Their thumbs and long tails allow them to stay comfortable in trees while they use their echolocation to find food such as insects. They also have sensitive large ears and eyes that help them find food. Because of their bizarre appearance, they were considered a bad omen among the locals of Madagascar. The species is on the verge of extinction.
Madagascar long-eared owl
This bird has a body length of about 50 cm, making it the largest owl on the island. Females are usually larger than males. The owl is characterized by a brownish crown on the top of its head. She also has a brown facial disc. The Madagascar owl is primarily nocturnal. The species is least endangered.
Striped tenrec
The striped tenrec is common in the lowland northern and eastern parts of Madagascar. The animal has a long pointed snout, vestigial tail and limbs. The muzzle is black with yellow stripes, and the body is covered with spines. The striped tenrec is active both during the day and at night and feeds mainly on insects. The long muzzle is designed mainly for digging in the ground in search of prey. They can also feed on worms, small fish and even frogs. Tenrecs mainly breed in October and December depending on the availability of food. The gestation period is 58 days and the female can give birth to up to eight cubs. The species is of least concern.
Black mantella
Known as Mantella madagascariensis, the black mantella is a brightly colored frog with green, black, yellow or orange colors. The species is found only in eastern and central Madagascar. These frogs live in tropical forests bordering freshwater bodies. They can tolerate moderate temperatures between 24ºC and 27ºC during the day and slightly lower at night. The black mantella is a carnivorous animal that primarily feeds on insects. Frogs are active during the day, usually occupying small territories. The bright body color acts as a warning of danger to any predator. The species is in a vulnerable position.
A British photographer has led an epic 20-year foray into one of the world's strangest ecological systems. Nick Garbutt, 46, from Cumbria, has made 25 trips deep into the forests of Madagascar. He has visited the island every year since 1991. Over two decades, Nick has created an extraordinary collection of photographic photographs of unusual and colorful species of the island. An adult female fossa (Crytoprocta ferox) hunts prey in the forest at Kirindy Park in western Madagascar. 
A male comet moth (Argema mittrei) dries its wings in the forest in Mantadia National Park, Madagascar. 
An adult male fossa (Crytoprocta ferox) wanders through a deciduous forest, western Madagascar. 
The island was cut off from the African mainland 160 million years ago. But the inhabitants of the island developed functions that are not found anywhere else. Many of the animals that are in Nick's photographs can only be found in Madagascar. Verreaux sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) passes through open space in thorny forests, southern Madagascar. 
The concern is that a large number of the animals in these photographs could become extinct within the next 20 years. Poor local communities are cutting down forests to make way for crops such as rice. A huge amount of wood harvested from the destroyed forest is used to produce charcoal. Nick said: “In its pristine state, Madagascar was 85% forested, and now only 8% remains. Even more shocking is that 50% of the forest loss has occurred in the last 50 years and I have seen this massive destruction. Since I started coming here in 1991, I don’t have much hope for a revival. ” Male spear-nosed chameleon (Calumma Gallus) in the lowland rainforest near Mantadia, eastern Madagascar. 
Although the number of national parks on the island is growing, environmentalists fear that this is not enough to save many of the animals. “When I first visited Madagascar, there were only two national parks,” says Nick. “The number has now grown to 20, and they serve as a refuge for animals, where cutting trees is illegal, but in practice this does not always work.” An adult black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia Variegata) hangs on a branch in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, eastern Madagascar. 
“It is inevitable that all national parks will be managed by island people, and that still equates to the loss of animals,” he says. “A large number of individuals will simply disappear and there will be no one left to protect in the parks. We need to slow the rate of destruction and preserve the amazing diversity.” Ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) bask in the sun at dawn, Berenty Private Reserve, southern Madagascar. 
Nick Garbutt with an orphaned ring-tailed lemur near Tsimanampetsotsa National Park in November 2009. 
Nick Garbutt at Ranomafana National Park in May 1991 on his first visit to the island. 
A pygmy stump-tailed chameleon (Brookesia peyrierasi) on a finger in the Nosy Mangabe Nature Reserve, northeastern Madagascar. 
Male giraffe-necked weevil (Trachelophorus giraffa) in the Vohiparara rainforest, Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. 
A leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) climbs a tree trunk in Nosy Mangabe Park, northeastern Madagascar. 
Nick Garbutt photographs a panther chameleon in Masoala National Park in October 2009. 
Painted mantella frog (Mantella madagascariensis) in Mantadia National Park, eastern Madagascar. 
A male panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) searches for prey in vegetation on a peninsula beach in Masoala National Park, northeastern Madagascar. 
Amazing bird Helmet Vanga (Euryceros prevostii) near its nest in Masoala NP, northeast of Madagascar. 
Male Parsons chameleon (Calumma parsonii) in the rainforest, Masoala National Park, Madagascar. 
Huge baobab trees (Adansonia grandidieri) at dusk, near Morondava, western Madagascar. 
A white-lipped tree frog (Boophis albilabris) sits in the rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, southeastern Madagascar. 
During his fascinating travels, Nick also photographed the strange aye-aye. Having a long middle finger, it is able to rummage in the bark of a tree like a “fish” in water, looking for larvae and cutworms there.
Madagascar, located in East Africa, is home to various rare animals. Many of them are on the verge of extinction. Some of Madagascar's inhabitants have been immortalized in a cartoon of the same name, but the island's nature is far more diverse and amazing than any computer animation.
The Madagascar leaf-tailed gecko has to be seen to be believed, but it's not that easy. They are masters of camouflage, each gecko has its own unique way of blending in with its surroundings: some can be mistaken for leaves, some for tree bark. Their color and reflective body make them almost invisible. There are 10 species of leaf-tailed geckos, all of which are found in Madagascar and surrounding islands. The largest of them is Uroplatus giganteus.
Argemma mittrei, also known as the Madagascar comet, is the largest butterfly in the peacock eye family. Their colorful wingspan can reach 20 cm, and their tail can grow up to 15 cm in length. Butterflies do not feed and live off the nutrients accumulated in the caterpillar stage. Life expectancy is 4-5 days. They are capable of reproducing on the first day after emerging from the cocoon; females can lay up to 170 eggs at a time. The caterpillars feed on fresh eucalyptus leaves; pupation lasts from 2 to 6 monthsa
The tomato frog is an ambush predator found only in the northern, wetter part of Madagascar. They mainly feed on insects. Although they are frogs, they also have some features inherent in toads: the absence of webbed feet; When they are threatened, they, like toads, secrete a sticky whitish secretion from their skin. Only females have a characteristic color, which gave the name to this species. Males are light brown in color.
Aye-aye is an animal that is also found only in Madagascar. These nocturnal arboreal primates are well adapted to life in the trees thanks to their large, thin toes and tails longer than their bodies, allowing them to cling to tree branches. Remarkably, they are the only primates that use echolocation to find prey. With their thin middle fingers they knock on trees and hear the movement of insects, and then use the same finger to pull them out. Because of their strange appearance, the inhabitants of Madagascar consider them a symbol of misfortune and, like many other animal inhabitants of the island, they are on the verge of extinction
Marsh tenrecs are one of the most elusive animals in the world. They have only been found in Madascar and, since the largest tenrecs reach a length of 17 cm, they are difficult to spot. Several species of tenrecs live in Madagascar, but the swamp ones are distinguished by their ability to adapt to water conditions: their webbed feet allow them to swim excellently in the waters of eastern Madagascar. They feed on insects and tadpoles caught in the water.
Like other chameleons, the panther chameleon changes color depending on its condition, but these chameleons have a very wide range of color changes, especially in males during courtship. But these creatures are amazing not only because of their color. They can simultaneously rotate their eyes independently of each other to simultaneously follow two objects at once. Once they locate their prey, they focus both eyes on it before seizing it with their long, sticky tongue.
The Madagascar pochard is one of the rarest ducks in the world. These medium-sized birds feed on invertebrates, seeds and aquatic plants and are able to remain underwater for up to two minutes. Just recently, this species was considered extinct until 22 ducks were discovered on Lake Matsaborimena in 2006. Thanks to a conservation campaign launched in 2009, the population has quadrupled. Many ducks were raised in captivity and then released into the wild. However, they are still on the verge of extinction. Lake Matsaborimena is not the best habitat and there are concerns that there is too little food for all the ducks to survive.
This is not a cat or a dog, this is a fossa - one of the predators of Madagascar. Until recently, they were classified as members of the cat family, but in fact they belong to the mongoose family. It's no wonder that people have long been mistaken about their origins - all because of their strange appearance. With a dog-like snout and a cat-like body, this animal is one of the largest mammalian predators in Madagascar. Their length from the muzzle to the tip of the tail can reach up to 2 meters. The fossa is a nocturnal animal that mostly feeds on lemurs. They also eat reptiles, birds, and mammals. They are very mobile, their long tail allows them to maintain balance as they move from branch to branch. Unfortunately, they are very rare, people not only destroy them, but they also destroyed 90% of the habitat of these animals.
There are many snakes in Madagascar that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, but hardly any of them have such an amazing appearance as the Malagasy leaf snake. These snakes, which like to hang from tree branches, are distinguished by special nasal processes. Leaf-bearing snakes, unlike many others, have pronounced signs of sexual dimorphism. Nasal processes appear on them from birth and serve as a means of camouflage, since snakes usually attack from ambush. When snakes simply lie down, their nasal processes resemble the leaves of Madagascar trees, and the tree lizards they hunt do not immediately notice them. And when they notice, it's too late...
This web is 10 times stronger than Kevlar and twice as strong as any previously known web. This web of the Darwin spider can reach gigantic sizes - up to three square meters, and it is also found over rivers and lakes (about 25 square meters in size). This web was first discovered thanks to 30 insects caught in it, mainly butterflies. The unique strength, size and location of the web means it can be placed in places where no spider would survive, greatly reducing competition for food and space. Not bad for a spider, the female of which reaches 2.5 cm in length, and the male is even smaller.
Translated specifically for fishki.net
The fourth largest among the islands. The territory of Madagascar is almost 600,000 square kilometers. The Arkhangelsk region occupies approximately the same amount. Out of almost 90 regions of Russia, it is in 8th place.
Madagascar was also once part, not of a country, but of the ancient continent of Gondwana. However, the island broke away 160,000,000 years ago. Isolation and, at the same time, an abundance of food and fresh water led to the development of the animal world.
Evolution led him in a special way. Bottom line: - more than 75% of Madagascar’s animals are endemic, that is, they are not found outside the republic. Madagascar gained sovereignty in the 1960s. Before this, the island belonged to France.
It was discovered by the Portuguese Diego Diaso. This happened in the 16th century. If you haven’t visited Madagascar since then, it’s time to discover the world of its inhabitants.
White-fronted Indri
Represents the Indriaceae family, which includes 17 species. All of them live only in Madagascar. White-fronted, for example, occupied forests from the north of the Mangoro River to the Anteynambalana River.
The animal belongs to the wet-nosed primates. Accordingly, it resembles a monkey with a wet nose. More precisely, the endemic is the lemur. This is a transitional stage from lower mammals to primates.
The white-fronted indri is named due to its color. The fur on the lemur's body is white, but the forehead area is accentuated by a black collar on the neck and a dark muzzle. The animal reaches a meter in length. This comes with the tail. The weight of an indri is 7-8 kilograms.
In the photo there is an indri lemur
Crowned lemur
This animal weighs only 2 kilos and is up to 90 centimeters long. Its slenderness allows it to jump long distances, from branch to branch. The tail helps with gliding. The lemur gets its name from the dark spot on its head.
The main color is orange. Like all lemurs, crowned lemurs live in packs. They are led by females. So King Juklian from the famous cartoon is a doubly fictional character.
Pictured is a crowned lemur
Lemur vari
Vari is one of the largest animals living in Madagascar. This refers to lemurs. Among them is a giant with a body length of about 120 centimeters. At the same time, the animals weigh only 4 kilos and, like their small counterparts, eat fruits, berries, and nectar.
Varna has a contrasting color. The muzzle is framed by white whiskers. The fur on the legs and back is also light. The remaining areas are “filled” with black. You can see the wari in the east of the island, in the mountains. Their height is approximately 1,200 meters above sea level.
In the photo there is a lemur
Ring-tailed lemur
These animals of Madagascar not only the height of a cat, but also their ears similar to it. The tail of representatives of the species is powerful, with black and white rings. The body is gray, pinkish or brownish on the back.
In the cartoon “Madagascar,” by the way, Julian represents the “cat” family. On the screen he holds his tail up. In nature, this is done to appear taller and to scare away enemies.
The second position of the tail is not described in the cartoon. The organ serves as the 5th leg, supporting the animal when standing on its hind legs and walking along thin branches.
Pictured is a ring-tailed lemur
Gapalemur
The primate is distinguished by its large big toes. The color of the animals is brown. The fur is dense and short. Brown eyes on a round head with almost invisible ears give the impression that the lemur was in a hurry. Therefore, representatives of the species are often called meek. The total length of gapa bodies does not exceed 80 centimeters, and their weight is 3 kilograms.
Gapas differ from other lemurs in their tendency to swim. Representatives of the species settled in bamboo thickets near Lake Alautra, in the northeast Madagascar. Animals in the photo often found in water rather than in trees.
However, hapalemurs still feed on vegetation. The stomachs of animals are able to neutralize cyanide contained in bamboo shoots. Therefore, like pandas in China, gapas are not poisoned by the plant.
Pictured is Gapalemur
Sifaka nut
In general, the little hand is a most curious creature that thousands of tourists are eager to see. The animal is, however, nocturnal. Under the shadow of darkness, it digs out from under the bark and stones with its long fingers.
In the photo there is a Madagascar little hand
Fossa
Fossas hunt lemurs and live solitarily on the ground. True, you have to climb trees to find lemurs. The hunter can be given away by a guttural growl reminiscent of a cat.
In the photo there is a fossa animal
Madagascar rat
Speaking what animals are in Madagascar are endemic, I would like to mention the giant one while it is possible. The species is dying out. Its habitat is only 20 square kilometers north of Morondava.
This is one of the cities of the republic. As you drive away from it, you see rats the size of and several similar to them. So, the animals have muscular hind legs. They are needed for jumping. The ears are elongated. Animals press them to their heads when they jump almost a meter in height and 3 in length.
The color of giant Madagascar rats is closer to beige. In nature they live in burrows and require the same in captivity. The first offspring outside the habitat were obtained in 1990. Since then, they have been trying to replenish the population artificially.
Pictured is a Madagascar rat
Striped tenrec
In the photo there is a tenrec animal
Madagascar comet
We are not talking about a cosmic body, but the largest in the world. It is classified as a peacock eye. All members of the family have bright, round patterns on their wings that resemble pupils.
The comet inhabits only the island of Madagascar and its animals not averse to feasting on the fleshy body of an insect. However, the butterfly only lives for a couple of days. Comets starve, using the resources accumulated in the caterpillar stage. Enough supplies for a maximum of four days.
The butterfly was named Comet because of the extensions on its hind wings. The “drops” at their ends reach 16 centimeters with a wingspan of 20 centimeters. The general color of the insect is yellow-orange.
Pictured is a comet butterfly
Madagascar cuckoos
From the cuckoo family, 2 endemics live on the island nearby. The first is the giant look. Its representatives reach 62 centimeters. The second type of endemics is highlighted in blue. True, the size of the birds is not much inferior to their giant relatives. Blue cuckoos reach 50 kilos and can weigh about 200.
Pictured is a Madagascar cuckoo
The total number of birds in Madagascar is limited to 250 species. Almost half of them are endemic. The same goes for insects. The comet butterfly is just one wonderful creature of the island. There are also giraffes.
Weevil giraffe
Their noses are so long and curved that they resemble a long neck. The body of insects, at the same time, is compact, like that of. A tomato frog can eat such a delight. She is orange-red.
Tomato frog
It’s problematic to eat it yourself. The endemic secretes a sticky substance that glues the predator’s mouth together and causes allergies. By the way, Madagascar itself is also called red. This is due to the color of local soils. They are colored by clay. So, this is the right place for tomato frogs on the “tomato” island.
In 1500, thanks to pure chance, the island of Madagascar was discovered. The team of the Portuguese navigator Diogo Dias was caught in a storm, which forced them to land on the only land nearby. This is how an island with extraordinary nature and rich fauna was discovered.
Unique island
Madagascar is located off the coast of East Africa, from which it separated more than 160 million years ago. Its unique landscape, which includes mountains, lakes, desert areas, and jungles, has contributed to the conservation of a huge number of animal species. There are more than 250 thousand of them on the island, and most of them are endemic, that is, they are not found in other areas of the globe. The fauna of Madagascar is unique. It is mainly represented by small animals and reptiles.
Many species of island fauna are now on the verge of extinction. People extract minerals, cut down the jungle, causing animals to suffer.
Recently, the number of reserves and specially protected areas has increased, where all conditions are created for the free existence of unique fauna. Scientists work to track different animal populations and fight for their prosperity.
Madagascar - the kingdom of lemurs
The largest part of the island fauna consists of such animals of Madagascar as lemurs. The indigenous people treat them with special respect, because they believe that the souls of the dead move into the body of prosimians. More than 20 species of these animals live on the island.
Lemurs are kept in families in which the female is dominant. These cute creatures are similar in appearance to their monkey ancestors, but have shorter limbs and a pointed muzzle. Nature has improved their appearance by adding large eyes. This mechanism allows for excellent orientation when obtaining food. The animals eat mainly insects and vegetation. They are very friendly, brave and curious.
Types of lemurs
The kata lemurs have the most striking appearance. They are distinguished by a white muzzle with dark “glasses” and a long striped tail. In size, representatives of this species are barely larger than a domestic cat. Thanks to the almost complete absence of predators, Madagascar animals such as kata are most widespread.
The smallest primate, the mouse lemur, lives in Madagascar. The body length of the baby is about 9 cm, with a tail - 27 cm. This species was discovered in 2000.
Another interesting representative is the little arm. Another name for the animal is aye-aye. It lives in trees and obtains its food using extremely long and tenacious fingers. The animal taps the trunks for larvae, using echolocation. His appearance is not particularly attractive: shaggy fur that sticks out in all directions, yellow, widely spaced eyes and large semicircular ears.
The largest lemur is the indri. Its weight reaches 10 kg, and its height is 90 cm. Despite its large dimensions, the animal deftly climbs trees. Each family has a strict habitat, which it protects by making loud noises.
Swamp Tenrec
The most elusive animals of Madagascar, strangely adapted to life in bodies of water. The limbs of the tenrec are equipped with membranes and a large amount of muscle tissue. The animal deftly runs through shallow water, catching tadpoles and fish. For hunting, it uses vibrissae - sensitive antennae that, like a locator, pick up vibrations in water. The appearance of the tenrec is also interesting: its size is about 15 cm, and a mixture of wool and needles covers the entire body. In appearance the animal looks like a small hedgehog, but in fact it belongs to the shrews.
Rare birds
The island is also rich in birds - about 150 species live there, a third of which are endemic. The most common class of birds in Madagascar is the red-headed pochard. Lack of food and drying up of water bodies due to human activity have put this species of duck at risk of extinction. These birds were thought to have disappeared forever, but in 2006 a small population of 20 individuals was discovered. Over 8 years of successful and painstaking work of zoologists, it was possible to increase it 4 times. The duck is very beautiful, it has a red-brown body, a gray beak and a white belly.
A true unique species is the blue cuckoo. The bird has an incredibly attractive appearance with deep blue plumage. Unlike her relatives, she hatches her offspring on her own. Due to its remarkable appearance, this endemic is under threat of complete extermination by poachers.
Fossa
Who would have thought that the largest island predator reaches only 1.5 m in length, half of which is occupied by a long tail. Strong, muscular animals have reddish-brown fur. Outwardly, these animals of Madagascar are similar to a cat and a marten, but belong to the civet family. The fossa's tail, coupled with its retractable claws, allows it to deftly climb steep cliffs and trees in search of prey. The population of these predators is very small and is on the verge of extinction.
Amphibians
The island of Madagascar abounds with a huge number of amphibian species, the main ones being frogs, lizards and chameleons.
They are considered rare and endangered species. Thanks to their incredible appearance, they easily avoid prying eyes. The amphibian reaches a length of 13 cm and has a tail that is barely distinguishable from a dried leaf. The amphibian's body is covered with skin reminiscent of tree bark.
Panther chameleons are distinguished by their bright colors, which easily change due to the special structure of the body cells. They use their skill for camouflage and communication. This species is notable for its ability to simultaneously observe different hunting objects with both eyes. Before releasing its sticky tongue, the chameleon focuses on the target.
The tropical rainforests of the island are home to many frogs. The most notable are the tomato narrowmouths. Females of this species have the rich color of a ripe tomato and black stripes on the sides of the body. When danger arises, their skin secretes an irritating secretion.
The vast territory of Madagascar has not yet been fully explored. Every year new species of animals are discovered. Scientists are achieving good results in increasing the population of endangered endemics of the island.