Madagascar is one of the largest islands in the world and is situated off the east coast of Africa. Over 80% of the wildlife is unique and is found nowhere else. The journey starts in the north of the country and will head south.
Prior to the trek, stayed at this beautiful lodge on the edge of the rainforest.
Lucy on the right, is the local guide. The trek begins.
The Brown Lemur is commonly seen. Very sociable animals living in troops of 5-15 individuals. This female has an infant clinging to her.
The Indiri Lemurs pair for life and only search for other partners if the current partner dies. Territorial animal. Deliver a distinctive call heard up to 2 km. Males and females often synchronise their calls as a 'song'.
Giraffe-headed weevil. The male has a long neck to help it roll leaves and provide a nest for the female eggs.
Green Gecko. Typically nocturnal so unusual to see this one during the day.
Miniature Madagascan orchids on the forest floor
Orchid seed pods
Tree ferns cast coloured lights onto the rainforest floor.
In addition to flowers, fungi of ever colour and description can be seen.
The 'schrimp' flowers, so named as they look like shrimps once the flowers have opened.
A giant millipede. These can exceed 15 cm in length. Lemurs are known to eat them despite their foul taste and trance like effect. They rub the millipede secretions on their tails to ward off insects.
The shell of a giant land snail. Introduced from Africa, they have helped cause the extinction of many local species. Their shells litter the forest floor.
The Bambo Lemur (or gentle lemurs) are much loved in the country. These miniature equivalents of giant or red pandas live on bamboo and similar vegetation.
Black and white ruffed lemurs are one of the largest of the species. Fruit is the mainstay of their diet and because of their size are a source of meat for hunters. Luxuriant fur can also be sold on the black market. Consequently they are rare and on the endangered list.
This Brown Lemur, tempted by a banana hidden in my palm, posed for a photo shoot. They are very affectionate.
The Diademed sifaka are superb leapers and can jump between trees many metres apart.
The village of Andasibe is typical of those in the rainforest. Main Street, children, dried fish and the local soccer match.
Tourism is in an early stage of development; most accommodation is basic. An exception is this impressive lodge at the edge of the rainforest.
The spectacular Travellers Palm; almost the perfect fan shape.
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