Experience Madagascar’s Biodiversity Up Close
Sifakas, Indri-Indri, Catta, Aye-Aye, Microcebus, and many more
In ancient Rome, “Lemur” referred to a nocturnal spirit. Today, however, “Lemur” is the common term for the primates living in Madagascar, known zoologically as wet-nosed or prosimians. Lemurs were once found on all continents but were evolutionarily displaced by other higher primates. It is often believed that the species could not adapt to changing environmental and living conditions. The advancement of large lemur species into some urban areas in Madagascar is a testament to their adaptability.
Madagascar’s Biodiversity
Madagascar’s biodiversity is evident in its unique lemurs, which have adapted to new and different habitats when left undisturbed!
Certain species of chameleons can only be found in very small areas of the island of Madagascar. Exceptions to this are the ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur Catta), the Sifakas (Propithecus), and the brown lemurs (Eulemur), which can be encountered throughout the island. The Aye-Aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is also more widespread than previously thought. Due to their nocturnal habits, these animals are unfortunately rarely seen. Encountering the always slightly surprised-looking Aye-Aye, as the locals call the Fingertier, is considered a stroke of luck. In places where visitors show respect for nature, some species can be found. The lemurs have lost their shyness towards humans. In some national parks and private reserves, it is easy to attract a quirky sifaka or a brown lemur with sweet fruits. However, caution is advised: on the “Badeinsel” Nosy Be or in the Isalo National Park, the animals have developed a remarkable skill for organized, communal theft due to the presence of unsuspecting tourists. They even sneak into tents and bungalows to find food.
In most cases, however, lemurs maintain a dignified distance from humans and only allow for a limited approach. Stubborn as lemurs are, they may accept a certain level of closeness. Kameras rarely take into account. Getting a snapshot of a lemur can thus be considered a stroke of luck.
The Dance of the Sifakas
The Sifakas, the largest lemurs after the Indris, stand out for their beautiful, dense fur, their skill in moving through the branches – and their impressive way of moving on. On flat ground: The Sifaka moves there in acrobatic forward and sideways jumps. Upright, standing on their hind legs, the Sifakas seem to dance rather than walk, earning them the nickname “dancing Lemur”. Among the most impressive of all lemurs are undoubtedly the last representatives of the family of giant lemurs, the legendary and particularly large “Indri-Indris”. These gentle animals, with a body weight of up to 14 kilograms, no tail, and black and white fur, are more reminiscent of small bears at first glance. They usually appear in groups and communicate over many kilometers through their famous, penetrating, melodic calls. hreis für Naturliebhaber in Madagaskar, die eine Kombination aus Wanderungen und Tierbeobachtungen bieten. Mit etwas Glück können Besucher die einzigartige Tierwelt der Insel hautnah erleben und unvergessliche Momente in der Natur genießen. Besonders im Andasibe-Nationalpark und im Zahamena-Nationalpark haben Reisende die Möglichkeit, Lemuren in ihrem natürlichen Lebensraum zu beobachten. Es ist ratsam, eine gewisse Beweglichkeit mitzubringen, um den Tieren durch das oft unwegsame Gelände folgen zu können. Im Andasibe-Nationalpark und im Zahamena-Nationalpark können Besucher die letzten Populationen der Babakoto-Lemurenart entdecken, die einst bis nach Antananarivo verbreitet war. Im Andasibe-Nationalpark ist es sogar möglich, den Lemuren sehr nahe zu kommen, da sie sich manchmal bis an die Hotelanlage heranwagen und von dort aus beobachtet werden können. Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis für Naturliebhaber und Tierfreunde! Individual trips to Andasibe, where experienced guides can cater to the personal preferences of travelers.
