Amazing creation of Madagascar

MADAGASCAR • NEW TYPES • REPTILES

Separated from the African continent approximately 160-165 million years ago, and then from India, about 65-70 million years ago, Madagascar is known as one of the most abundant animal species of tropical places on earth. Due to the unique natural environment of Madagascar, live here and develop species that have long been extinct in all other parts of the world.

1. Between 1999 and 2010, experts from the International Fund for Nature (WWF) found in Madagascar 615 new species of animals. However, some of the fauna of the island is under threat of extinction due to deforestation, poaching, illegal trade in endangered species and other factors. These animals include mouse lemur, which was discovered on the island in 2000. The length of the body of an average of 9 cm, making it the world's tiny primate. These lemurs length (from head to tail) not more than 27 cm, therefore they are the smallest primates.

 2. The territory of Madagascar PK32-Ranobe, which is embodied in this picture, is the habitat of various species in at the same time almost completely surrounded by mines, in which there is an active gornorazrabotka. The World Wildlife Fund is currently advocated expanding the boundaries of the protected area to include in its composition more key habitat types. Negotiations with mining companies do not bring the expected results: each year more and more areas of extracting the minerals that are so rich sandy soil of Madagascar, and the vast amount of timber harvested for timber, from which then make charcoal.

 3. This colorful chameleon belongs to the species Furcifer ti mo ni, which was discovered in the remote tropical forests in the north of Madagascar in 2009. Both male and female in the process of mutations acquired bright color, reminiscent of makeup in the style of "glam rock". Scientists say that the discovery of this species of chameleons become for them a big surprise, as this area has repeatedly carefully examined for new species of reptiles for many years.

 4. Multi-colored frog.

Frog Boophis bottae - one of 69 amphibians found in the last 11 years in the territory of Madagascar. The diversity of amphibians living in Madagascar, is striking and plays an important role for the entire planet. The number of amphibians declining as worldwide, as well as in Madagascar. After a recent study of DNA experts have suggested that Madagascar usual habitat destruction affects more species than previously thought.

 5. In 1992, scientists were aware of only two types of dwarf mouse lemurs. Since then, the number has increased to fifteen, including the type Microcebus berthage, which you can see on the photo. Considerable diversity can also be found within the same species. The scientists studied 70 individuals Cheirogaleidae with different colored fur and living in different parts of the island, and then came to the conclusion that they all belong to the same species.

 6. This female chameleon species Furcifer Simoni shows us the bright saturated color in the style of "glam rock". Since 1999, was discovered 11 new species of chameleons.

 7. The male frog species Boophis Liliana fertilizes the female among the greenery in Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar. This species was first described in 2008.

 8. This kind of chameleon (Calumma Tarzan), living in the eastern and central parts of Madagascar, was opened by scientists and first described in 2010. Madagascar. He was named after the village, which is located not far from the habitat of the chameleon, and in honor of the famous Tarzan, the character of the novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs. "We call this kind of literary character in honor of Tarzan in the hope that thanks to this well-known name, the public will pay attention to really endangered species and its habitat in the area."

9. chameleon species Furcifer Simoni demonstrates his head, which flaunts a large rough bright red spot and small blue blotches. The animal was imaged in the tropical forests of the array Montagne d'Abr in the north of Madagascar.

 10. The tropical frog species Gephyromantis tschinke was discovered and first described in 2001. It can be seen in the nature reserves of the island, including in the region and the Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar «Befotaka-Mid only National Park» ..

 11. It is not difficult to see why, until recently, this kind of hiding from the watchful eyes of scientists. Gecko species Uroplatus piet Sch anni, skin which resembles the bark of trees, and the tail - dry leaf, was discovered by scientists in 2003 in the eastern rainforests of Madagascar. The favorite habitat of the 13-centimeter-thick branches are reptile bark of cork trees and plants with broad leaves, and thanks to its excellent natural camouflage it remains virtually unnoticed.

12. Madagascar reefs near Toliara in length is more than 27 kilometers and a width of more than 3 km. The whole system of numerous reefs from Toliara to Morombe creates an almost continuous shallow barrier length of 400 km. This is the largest reef system in the Western Indian Ocean. Although these reefs are large enough, they have a huge impact human and natural factors, such as overfishing and excessive rainfall.