Madagascar spiny forests
Facts and practical information
The Madagascar spiny forests is an ecoregion in the southwest of Madagascar. The vegetation type is found on poor substrates with low, erratic winter rainfall. The ecoregion contains an outstanding proportion of endemic plant species and is listed as one of the 200 most important ecological regions in the world; one of the Global 200. ()
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Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Ring-tailed lemur
The ring-tailed lemur, a sizable primate indigenous to Madagascar, is easily identifiable by its characteristic black-and-white striped tail. Unlike many of its lemur kin, the ring-tailed lemur is diurnal—active during the day—and predominantly terrestrial...
Mammals
Grandidier's mongoose
Grandidier's mongoose, also known as the giant-striped mongoose or Grandidier's vontsira, is a small carnivore native to a specific region in southwestern Madagascar, where it inhabits the spiny forest vegetation. Its coat is pale brown or gray with eight broad dark...
Mammals
Subdesert mesite
The subdesert mesite is a distinctive bird species endemic to Madagascar. Belonging to the Mesitornithidae family, it shares this group with just two other species. This bird flourishes in a specific, low-lying region in southwest Madagascar.
Birds
Ebenavia maintimainty
Ebenavia maintimainty is a diminutive, nocturnal gecko native to Madagascar. This small reptile belongs to the Ebenavia genus and is typically found in a limited region of limestone cliffs to the east of Lake Tsimanampetsotsa on the Mahafaly Plateau.
Reptiles
Verreaux's sifaka
Verreaux's sifaka, also known as the white sifaka, is a captivating medium-sized lemur indigenous to Madagascar. These remarkable creatures are characterized by their thick, silky white fur embellished with brown patches.
Mammals
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