One of the more classier hotel lodges can be found on the edge of Isalo National Park. We had the opportunity to stay there prior to the hike in the 'grand canyon'.
The trek of the 'Grand Canyon' commences. Spectacular rock formations.
At the base of the canyon is a river with quiet pools and waterfalls to escape the heat.
On the floor of the canyon, red-bellied lemurs can be found. Rather than live in large troups, the lemurs live in monogomous pairs and take their parenting seriously.
The so called 'tourist' tree. Named after dumb tourists who don't apply adequate sun cream and peel, these trees constantly peel. Photosynthesis occurs in the trunk, hence the green colour, until leaves appear and the process returns to the canopy.
The strangling fig vine, known to kill and topple large trees.
Flatid leaf bugs. The nymphs secrete a white waxy material which deter predators such as birds as the sticky material lodges in the birds throat
The three eyed iguanid is more commonly seen in South America suggesting a land bridge existed in the past. The third 'eye' appears as a black dot on the top of the head (pineal eye). Contains a lens and retina but can't be used for sight. Sensitive to light, it measures periods of sunlight and regulates daily rhythm.
The radiated tortoise is common in the south and so named due to its distinct shell pattern. This pattern makes then appealing as pets which is illegal.
The sportive (or weasel) lemur is nocturnal but can be seen during the day resting in tree forks. It's 'blind' during the day so you can approach closely. This lemur is very vocal and active at night and can jump huge distances.
The verreaux sifaka is more common in the drier south. It is predominantly white to help better body temperature regulation. There are patches of colour including a chocolate coloured skull-cap. It obtains all the water it needs from the leaves it eats in contrast to other lemurs that drink. Notice the baby in the second image; difficult to focus through the canopy.
A common brown snake.
The Standing's day gecko is a Madagascan favourite. There are 25 colourful species. This one is emerald with blotches on head, back and flank. They can grow up to 30 cm in length.
In the southwest corner of the island is the Spiny (Reniala) Forest. A bizarre inhospitable forest of baobabs, cacti and succulents. About 95% of plants are found nowhere else.
This is the oldest baobab in the forest - over 1,000 yrs old with a girth of 30 metres. At some time, local tribesmen had carved 'foot-steps' in the side to assist with fruit picking. Baobabs do not have tree rings so age is determined by carbon 14 dating.
Thorny Didiereaceae have thorns that are adaptations of the skin in contrast to cacti where they are modified leaves. If cut, the plant oozes a poisonous latex which can cause blindness.
Species of Pachypodium or 'elephants foot' plant.
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