The Rosy Periwinkle (what a colorful name) forms a beautiful plant with the botanical version of a split personality. It also holds the distinction of being quite rare and endangered. The plant understandably became quite popular as an ornamental plant. Despite its delicate appearance, however, it remains an extremely hardy species. It grows endemically only […]
Fossa
The Fossa, Cryptoprocta ferox, constitutes a unique animal. They actually combine many of the physical characteristics of civets, felines, and mongooses. Interestingly, their scientific name means hidden anus (from Greek). Cryptoprocta ferox lives only on the island of Madagascar. They remain secretive by nature and have not been widely studied. The IUCN lists them as Vulnerable due […]
Lowland Streaked Tenrec
Lowland Streaked Tenrec Facts The bizarre-looking Lowland Streaked Tenrec forms an extraordinarily unique species of Tenrec. The species has developed several completely unique attributes. Remarkably, they remain the only known mammal to generate sound by stridulation. Mothers use this as a means of communicating with their young. Also, it serves as the only known species of tenrec to […]
Gray Mouse Lemur
The Gray Mouse Lemur has something in common with us – and it is something bad. Researchers trekking through the forests of western Madagascar found something disturbing. While looking for a radio-tagged female of the species (Microcebus murinus) they found a male dining on her flesh (photo above). Yuck. The cause of the female’s death remains […]
Coconut Crab
The Coconut Crab is an extremely large species of terrestrial hermit crab. In fact, the Coconut Crab is the largest known land-dwelling arthropod on Earth. The Coconut Crab has evolved a number of adaptations for a land-based life. The young use the discarded shells of gastropods for shelter. The adults develop a sturdy exoskeleton and possess primitive lungs, instead of gills. […]
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe serves as the name for an extensive genus of roughly 125 known species of tropical, flowering succulents. The many various forms of this plant are principally native to the regions of Africa, Europe, and Asia. Only one recognized species of this genus evolved as endemic to the New World. Of the others, 56 remain native to Africa, and another 60 species […]
Black Lemur
Black Lemur Facts Many find it difficult to believe that these two individuals actually represent the same species, the Black Lemur. Yet they do indeed because this animal displays a marked degree of sexual dimorphism. Males and females have completely different color patterns. While this trait isn’t exclusive to this mammal, it remains quite rare. […]
Traveller’s Palm
The Traveller’s Palm or Ravenala constitutes a unique type of plant endemic solely to the island of Madagascar. Yet, the problem remains, however, that the species is uniquely not even a true palm! The ravenala is actually a member of a flowering plant family which also appears closely related to the Bird of Paradise flower. […]
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach is one of the largest known species of the cockroach on earth. Mature adults remain capable of reaching a length of up to 3 in (7.5 cm). Naturally, they are endemic only to the island of Madagascar, in Africa. In their native environment, they most commonly inhabit rotting logs. Unlike most other […]
Ghost Mantis
The Ghost Mantis or Phyllocrania paradoxa is a mantis species native to the island of Madagascar, Africa. Ghost Mantis Body Their body shape has evolved to blend in with their environment. Indeed, they look like dry, withered branches or leaves on bushes and trees. Phyllocrania paradoxa has incredible camouflage so as to appear as dead, dried-up leaf material. […]
