Madagascar: The Eighth Continent

Madagascar is a land where lizards scream and monkey-like lemurs sing songs of inexpressible beauty. KKnown as the Great Red Island, it is a place where fossa and tenrecs, vangas and aye ayes thrive in a true 'Lost World' alongside bizarre plants like the octopus tree and the three-cornered palm. And where the ancestors of the Malagasy, as the island's 18 tribes are collectively known, come alive in rollicking ceremonies known as turning the bones. This natural and cultural history of Madagascar is an exploration of what makes the island so extraordinary. It is the only book that combines cutting-edge science and conservation with adventure travel and historical narrative. Perfect for those about to travel to Madagascar for the first time or just want to learn more, much of the historical material will be new to those familiar with Madagascar, even researchers who have worked there for years.

Author’s Note

Acknowledgments

Foreword by Russell A. Mittermeier

Preface

Map

Introduction. Puts Madagascar in context, both geographically and historically.

Part I: Deep into a Primordial Land: The Perfumed Isle.

Part II: Deep into a Primordial Land: The Spiny Desert

Herpetologist Chris Raxworthy’s studies of reptiles and amphibians in Madagascar.

Part III: Search for the Pygmy Hippo.

Paleoecologist Dave Burney’s groundbreaking studies of past environments in Madagascar. The setting is Anjohibe.

Part IV: The Most Beautiful Enigma in the World.

Archeologist Bob Dewar is trying to find out who the first Malagasy were, including when, how, and why they arrived. Peter Tyson tries to find out who the Malagasy are today. Set in the vanilla-growing country of northeast Madagascar near Sambava.

Part V: Island of Dreams.

Can Madagascar be saved? Primatologist and conservationist Patricia Wright attacks the problem at a rainforest national park known as Ranomafana, where she is perfecting a model for conservation. Set in the mountain jungle in the southeast of Madagascar, just off the High Plateau.

Epilogue

Chronicles a single day in Madagascar, with personal experiences and anecdotes.

Glossary. Source Notes. Bibliography. Index