Madagascar, often referred to as the “eighth continent,” offers a rare look at evolution in action. Everyone is welcome on Tuesday evening, Sept. 18 for a presentation by Rand Rudland on Madagascar’s unique endemic wildlife – lemurs, chameleons, geckos, frogs, birds and insects like the kung-fu cricket.
Wonder at the many variations on form of plant life found only on this remote island situated off Africa’s east coast where 70 to 80 per cent of the 12,000 plant species are found nowhere else. Around 100 species of lemurs have evolved on the island. The other 30 endemic mammals include tenrec, mongoose, rodent, carnivore and bat species. Birds, not to be outdone, offer 120 species: grebe, coua, flufftail, owl, eagle, asity, warbler, sunbird and weaver. Frogs – 290 endemics, chameleons – 90, geckos – 95; and the list goes on for each major lineage.
Attendees will enjoy the famous national parks Ranomafana, Mantadia, Isolo, Ampijoroa and Zombitse, and explore the southern dry spiny forest areas around Berenty Reserve, and the off-shore island of Nosy Ve.
Madagascar offers a truly unique setting for exploring the web of life that is dictated by climate, geology and over 80 million years of geographic isolation.
Come have a wild adventure at Pender Harbour Secondary School on Hwy. 101. Doors open 6:30 p.m., start 7 p.m. The presentation, hosted by the Pender Harbour Wildlife Society, is free and refreshments will be served. For more information, see www.penderharbourwildlife.com
– Submitted by Carole Logtenberg
