There are 107 known species and subspecies of lemur in Madagascar, including the Coquerel's sifaka (pictured). Tracking them is a thrilling adventure through a landscape of vast contrasts and changing climates.
Wildlife hotspot —
There are 107 known species and subspecies of lemur in Madagascar, including the Coquerel's sifaka (pictured). Tracking them is a thrilling adventure through a landscape of vast contrasts and changing climates.
Anisha Shah
Lemurs inhabit lush tropical rainforests, spiny dry forests, semi-arid desert canyons and cool central highlands. However, their habitat is under threat due to deforestation.
Verreaux's sifaka lemurs —
Lemurs inhabit lush tropical rainforests, spiny dry forests, semi-arid desert canyons and cool central highlands. However, their habitat is under threat due to deforestation.
Anisha Shah
Lemurs are thought to be the most threatened mammal group in the world, with most species facing extinction.
Bamboo lemur —
Lemurs are thought to be the most threatened mammal group in the world, with most species facing extinction.
Anisha Shah
Some species are teetering right on the brink. The northern sportive lemur is believed to be down to just 60 animals.
Hubbard's sportive lemur —
Some species are teetering right on the brink. The northern sportive lemur is believed to be down to just 60 animals.
Anisha Shah
After 93 lemur species were put on critical, endangered or vulnerable watch lists in 2013, conservation experts drew up a three-year emergency plan requiring $7.6 million.
Black-and-white ruffed lemur —
After 93 lemur species were put on critical, endangered or vulnerable watch lists in 2013, conservation experts drew up a three-year emergency plan requiring $7.6 million.
Anisha Shah
The political landscape in Madagascar has changed following the 2014 elections, and there is increased optimism regarding international investment.
A hubbard's sportive lemur —
The political landscape in Madagascar has changed following the 2014 elections, and there is increased optimism regarding international investment.
Anisha Shah
Indri are the largest living species of lemur. The creature's Malagasy name is "babakoto," meaning "ancestor" or "father."
Indri lemur —
Indri are the largest living species of lemur. The creature's Malagasy name is "babakoto," meaning "ancestor" or "father."
Anisha Shah
The ring-tailed lemur is the most recognizable species, due to its distinctive black and white ringed tail.
Ring-tailed lemur —
The ring-tailed lemur is the most recognizable species, due to its distinctive black and white ringed tail.
Anisha Shah
Madagascar is home to 8,000 species that are not found in the wild anywhere else on the planet.
Panther chameleon —
Madagascar is home to 8,000 species that are not found in the wild anywhere else on the planet.
Anisha Shah
Madagascar broke off from mainland Africa around 150 million years ago and the island was cast adrift in the Indian Ocean. Isolation proved fertile breeding ground for evolution.
Parson's chameleon —
Madagascar broke off from mainland Africa around 150 million years ago and the island was cast adrift in the Indian Ocean. Isolation proved fertile breeding ground for evolution.
Anisha Shah
Almost half of the world's chameleon species live on Madagascar. Like the lemur, their habitat is threatened by deforestation.
Chameleon —
Almost half of the world's chameleon species live on Madagascar. Like the lemur, their habitat is threatened by deforestation.
Anisha Shah
Chameleons are famed for their ability to change color to blend in with their surroundings. This helps them to evade predators.
Camouflage —
Chameleons are famed for their ability to change color to blend in with their surroundings. This helps them to evade predators.
Anisha Shah
The mossy leaf-tailed gecko is endemic to Madagascar. It can also change its skin color to match its environment.
Mossy gecko —
The mossy leaf-tailed gecko is endemic to Madagascar. It can also change its skin color to match its environment.
Anisha Shah
Anja Reserve was dedicated protected land in 2001 and is now the most visited private reserve in the country.
Anja Reserve —
Anja Reserve was dedicated protected land in 2001 and is now the most visited private reserve in the country.
Anisha Shah
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is home to 11 lemur species, but is most celebrated for its population of indri lemurs.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park —
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is home to 11 lemur species, but is most celebrated for its population of indri lemurs.
Anisha Shah