Madagascar: A Journey to the Eighth Continent

You thought Earth had just seven continents? Madagascar is often referred to as the “eighth,” given its utterly unique biodiversity, with species that developed wholly in isolation once Madagascar broke away some 100 millions years ago from what would become Africa and India. Expedition Leaders Matt Meyer and Richard de Gouveia introduce the unusual animals and plants of the world’s fourth largest island, more than 80% of which are found nowhere else. Most famous are lemurs, with more than 100 different varieties of this charming, primitive primate found throughout the country’s diverse habitats. Conservation travel is crucial to preserving the dwindling forests that shelter so many of Madagascar’s critically endangered species, and they will talk about the difference that responsible tourism makes in protecting these essential landscapes.


Originally presented April 10, 2020

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