How social dynamics influence the gut microbes of wild lemurs
Humans aren't the only species whose social behaviors can impact their health. New research from The University of Texas at Austin shows that Verreaux's sifaka, a species of wild lemur native to Madagascar, have gut microbes that are affected by thos.....»»
Study: Climate change not causing Madagascar drought, famine
Don't blame climate change for the devastating Madagascar drought and famine, scientists said in a new analysis Wednesday......»»
When the gut"s internal ecosystem goes awry, could an ancient but gross-sounding treatment make it right?
Dr. Cathy Williams knew something wasn't right. The veterinarian had felt off for weeks after her 2014 trip to Madagascar......»»
What will happen to baobab trees in Madagascar in the future?
Madagascar is an important world conservation "hot spot" that supports a large number of endemic species. It is home to six endemic baobab species, the most remarkable trees in Africa. What will be the effect of global climate change to these ecologi.....»»
Video: How lemur research can help endangered species
Research scientists Marina Blanco, Ph.D. and Lydia Greene, Ph.D. study lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center in Durham, North Carolina (home to the largest population of lemurs outside of Madagascar). Some people might assume that they do this just to hang.....»»
Revealing hidden extinction risk in Madagascar"s rare plant species
For many species, there is a lack of information needed to make extinction risk assessments—a problem that is particularly acute in biodiverse regions such as Madagascar. Scientists also fear that current methods of assessing extinction risk may un.....»»
Desolate villages face famine in Madagascar drought
Nothing to eat, nothing to plant. The last rain in Ifotaka fell in May, for two hours......»»
UN warns hunger is expected to rise in 23 global hotspots
Hunger is expected to rise in 23 global hotspots in the next three months with the highest alerts for "catastrophic" situations in Ethiopia's embattled Tigray region, southern Madagascar, Yemen, South Sudan and northern Nigeria, two U.N. agencies war.....»»
Breakthrough research examines the effects introduced animals had on Madagascar"s extinct megafauna
Madagascar is renowned for its unique and varied biodiversity, which spans dry grasslands, wet rain forests, mangroves and deserts. This variety, combined with the island's isolation and size, has fostered distinctive assemblages of plants and animal.....»»
Ethnobotanical survey conducted in Tampolo Forest of Northeastern Madagascar
Recently, scientists made a survey of the floristic composition of Tampolo Forest of Fenoarivo Atsinanana, Northeastern Madagascar, to document the useful forest plants with emphasis on medicinal plants, which is useful in the conservation efforts in.....»»
In the world capital of vanilla production, nearly three out of four farmers say they don"t have enough to eat
Madagascar, famous for its lemurs, is home to almost 26 million people. Despite the cultural and natural riches, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Over 70% of Malagasy people are farmers, and food security is a constant challen.....»»
Current summary of ethnobotanical uses, chemistry, pharmacology, and distribution of Hydnora species
The genus Hydnora, one of the basal angiosperms, is indigenous to Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula. It consists of eight species: seven in Africa and one in the Arabian Peninsula. Notably, Hydnora abyssinica A.Br. (Fig. 1) and Hydnora afr.....»»
How widespread is lemur and fossa meat consumption?
A new study by WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) looks at the prevalence of human consumption of lemur and fossa (Madagascar's largest predator) in villages within and around Makira Natural Park, northeastern Madagascar, providing up-to-date estima.....»»
Extinct "horned" crocodile gets new spot in the tree of life
A study led by scientists at the American Museum of Natural History has resolved a long-standing controversy about an extinct "horned" crocodile that likely lived among humans in Madagascar. Based on ancient DNA, the research shows that the horned cr.....»»
A tale of two forests could reveal path forward for saving endangered lemurs
In one Madagascar forest, the trees teem with lemurs. In another forest just 150 miles away, the last few individuals of a small local population may soon be lost......»»
Evidence of huntsman spider creating leaf trap for a frog found in Madagascar
A team of researchers from the Centre of the SAVA Region and the University of Antananarivo, both in Madagascar, and one from the University of Goettingen in Germany, has found evidence of a huntsman spider living in a northeastern part of Madagascar.....»»