Lemur Island

After our Tanzania adventures, we arrived at the fourth largest island (and sometimes called the Eighth Continent) ... Madagascar. This country has a high level of endemic species and naturalists find Madagascar as a laboratory of evolution, like the Galapagos. Although Madagascar is known for birds and mammals, the reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants are just as unique. Madagascar is one of the priority conservation areas, especially for primates (only Brazil has more biodiversity in primates than Madagascar). While Madagascar is one of the primary conservation areas, over 90% of the island has been deforested. Driving through parts of Madagascar, you wouldn't guess that's the case. On the four hour drive to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, we saw endless rice fields. 

Driving through rice paddies on the way to Andasibe.

Malagasy people working in the rice paddies.

We passed through villages with French and Chinese respectively. Some French people who colonized Madagascar stayed and married Malagasy people. There are also Chinese influences in some parts of Madagascar because the slaves who built roads in Madagascar were Chinese. The Chinese influence is why we kept seeing so many colorful tuk tuks!

Tuk Tuks show the Chinese influence in some Malagasy villages.

After the four hour drive to Andasibe, we journeyed to Lemur Island. To get to Lemur Island, you take a canoe across a small area of water. The ride lasts less than one minute. Then, you start looking for lemurs! 

Canoes line up as we get ready to go to Lemur Island.

There are five families of lemurs... Mouse lemurs that are the smallest weighing at about 30 grams, indrids that are the largest of the lemurs and are specialized leapers weighing at about 20 pounds, sportive lemurs, true lemurs that are relatively well-studied because they're active during the day, and the aye-aye which is the most specialized primate about the size of a cat. Many lemurs have superstitions surrounding their origin and Malagasy people actually believe that all humans are descended from lemurs. The legend says that a man had two wives, but the wives fought a lot. One was turned into a ringtail lemur and the other was turned into a Sifaka lemur. The locals believe it is a bad omen to harm either species of lemur for this reason. However, some lemurs are killed due to bad superstitions, like the aye-aye. Locals believe that it is bad luck to have one point its finger at you, and aye-aye's are killed because of this.

The first lemur we saw is called the brown lemur, also known as the true lemur. It's common in rainforest in the central and northern parts of the east. It's fairly vocal, with a distinctive call. It gives a pig-like grunt which is often imitated by local guides. They're found in small to medium-sized groups which feed on fruits, leaves and flowers.

Brown, aka true lemur.

We also saw bamboo lemurs which are found in rainforest with bamboo throughout the central and southern parts of eastern Madagascar. These lemurs are reminiscent of a sportive lemur, but are active during the day. Unlike the brown lemurs, this species is not very vocal. They sometimes feed slowly but are highly active at other times. They're usually found alone or in small groups. 

Bamboo lemur.

At Lemur Island, the lemurs will jump on you, but they're not aggressive at all. Surprisingly, though, they have a very strong grip.

Title travel addicts featuring a true lemur.

Unfortunately, the visit to Madagascar had to be cut short as Cyclone Ava is rapidly approaching... But I'll leave you with one more feel-good photo of a lemur jumping on my head. 

Lemur!!

Thanks for reading about my African adventures... Stay tuned for what's to come and be sure to hit the subscribe button to be notified of new posts! As always, follow my instagram @elissatitle for more pics.