The Unique Wildlife of Madagascar

Madagascar is an exceptional island. Most of the island's animal species are endemic and so can only be seen here: more than 90% of its mammals and reptiles, as well as almost half of its breeding birds. Nineteenth-century naturalists spoke of it as a true Promised Land. Joseph-Philibert Commerson even said that “the most unusual and marvellous forms are encountered here at every step”. An isolated sanctuary off the coast of Africa, its position in the middle of the Indian Ocean has allowed it to protect its lands and let nature flourish freely. Out of reach, an original flora and fauna developed here – singular, unique animals that fascinate travellers, who often encounter these extraordinary species for the very first time.

Whether you're thinking about a trip to Madagascar or already have one planned, we introduce you to the unique, unmissable species among this precious wealth of ecosystems and biodiversity – so you can start travelling there in spirit. Inhabitants of the forests, lakes and bush such as chameleons, geckos, lemurs, birds and butterflies, or of the seas such as jellyfish and whales: set off to discover this unique natural heritage!

Lemurs are the island's best-known and most iconic species. In fact, 90% of the planet's lemurs are found in Madagascar – so much so that Madagascar is sometimes called Lemuria. There are 105 species of lemur on the island, split into two broad groups: diurnal and nocturnal lemurs.

Among the diurnal lemurs, the ring-tailed lemurs (makis) are among the best known and most beautiful; you'll recognise them by their black-and-white ringed tails. They love to feed on tamarind leaves and bask in the sun. A little anecdote: to court the female, the males hold a contest for the most unpleasant smell – the winner walks away with the female. The black lemur has a very endearing face; curiously, the male is black and the female russet. The ruffed lemur is the largest lemur and has a beautiful black-and-white coat. Try to spot a Sifaka lemur, with its lovely white coat – you'll notice it straight away. It's one of the island's star lemurs!

Among the nocturnal lemurs, the cute mouse lemur is the best known – tiny, with big eyes. The Cheirogaleus (dwarf lemur) has a rather funny lifestyle: it gorges on food during the wet season and hibernates all through the dry season. Finally, the Aye-Aye (long considered a demon by the Malagasy) is instantly recognisable with its big black ears and long, slender fingers. It's a true E.T. of the animal world!

Reptiles, princes of Malagasy endemism: chameleons and geckos

This small island is home to two-thirds of all the chameleon species on the entire planet. Among this unique fauna there are many species, each more impressive than the last. True natural marvels, they blend so perfectly into nature that you'll be amazed at how discreet they are among the foliage. Less discreet, some species top 60 cm and almost resemble mini-dinosaurs, such as Oustalet's chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti). You'll also easily be enchanted by the colours and distinctive head of Labord's chameleon (Furcifer labordi).

The Malagasy are generally afraid of chameleons. They're amused by them, but never touch them. They even draw a certain wisdom from this odd creature with its bulging, independent eyes: “Fate is like the chameleon on a tree; sometimes you only have to whistle for it to change colour” or “Be like the chameleon on the move: look ahead and, at the same time, watch what is behind you”.

Geckos are generally smaller and make a distinctive chirping sound. They have flat bodies and are mostly nocturnal creatures. And they're even more colourful than lizards. Some have developed incredible abilities – think of the satanic leaf-tailed gecko, a master of the art of camouflage. It can make its body resemble a dead leaf. Impressive!

Tortoises are among some of the rarest species in the world – so much so that they're endangered. The ploughshare tortoise (angonoka) is recognisable by an imposing spur-shaped gular projection on its dome-shaped shell. The radiated tortoise has a dark shell with patterns like rays of sunshine, like no other. Make the most of your time on the island to see them, because they're becoming rarer and rarer!

Madagascar is also a sanctuary for birds and butterflies. There are around 300 bird species, a third of them endemic. Budding ornithologists will be delighted with their finds. Among the rainforests and the bush, many species are easily spotted. Those interested in endemic species can go in search of kestrels, drongos, owls, couas, paradise flycatchers, fodys, doves, cuckoo-rollers, coucals, mesites, ground-rollers and vangas… truly Malagasy marvels that are a joy to watch!

Madagascar is also a true island of butterflies: more than 4,500 species of different colours and shapes. Some gigantic, others astonishing, all with superb colours. Slip into the shoes of a happy observer, faced with their elegant flight and bewitching colours. Some butterflies measure up to 30 cm! Such as the Argema mittrei (comet moth).

Some particularly well-known Malagasy species are: the Amber Mountain swallowtail, the green-blue swallowtail of Isalo, the butterfly of Nosy Mangabe, the Swallow, the Cap Diego, and so on.

Humpback whales are very present around Madagascar. They come up from subantarctic waters and appear off the Malagasy coast in the southern winter – from June to September – to give birth. The spectacle is majestic! These marine mammals, 14 to 16 metres long and around thirty tonnes, come to breed after long journeys. Humpback whales are recognisable by their large pectoral fins, a small dorsal fin and white patches on the underside. If you're in Madagascar in this season, watching the humpback whales is a must!