Madagascar rich but endangered biodiversity

I recently watched a tv program about Madagascar rich biodiversity. Madagascar is the big island of the indian ocean and was detached from mainland Africa mllions of years ago. And today I would like to share some information with you.

REPTILES

More than 300 species are found on Madagascar, with over 90% being endemic.
Chameleons: About half the world’s 135 species are unique to Madagascar.

Geckos: Madagascar boasts a vast array of gecko species, displaying probably the world’s greatest mastery at camouflage. There exists a critically endangered gecko species known from only two forests on Madagascar.

Iguanids: The small, “three-eyed” lizard is particularly common, as is the spiny-tailed iguanid, whose tail looks like an elongated fir cone.

Snakes: There are 85 species of snakes on the island, including several members of the boa family. The spear-nosed snake is one of the more absurd-looking species.

Tortoises: Madagascar is home to some of the world’s rarest tortoises, including the plowshare, which has a long, upturned projection extending from its lower shell. This is one of four endemic species.

Frogs: Although thought to number 300, there are 170 species of frogs recorded on Madagascar, 99% of which are endemic.

INVERTEBRATES

There may be as many as 100,000 species of invertebrates on Madagascar, about one fifth of which are beetles. There are some scorpions, butterflies and moths.


>>> HUMAN THREAT <<<

However, this endemic population is nowadays being severely fragmented and it is threatened by the destruction of its remaining forest habitat. Although new protected areas have been created within its range, illegal forest degradation continues, coupled probably with some over quota or illegal export of such species to Europe, USA and Asia.