The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar captivates explorers of all ages. With its varied vegetation and unique climate, the island is home to an incredible diversity of animals, some of which, endemic, are rare and astounding. A trip to Madagascar allows you to discover some of nature's most beautiful offerings and plan a safari to encounter an exceptional animal world. During your trip to Madagascar, keep your eyes wide open and your binoculars within reach, as encounters with wildlife will be frequent. Here are some of the many animals you may observe in Madagascar:

The Lemur

An emblematic animal of Madagascar, the lemur is one of the species you'll encounter most frequently on the island. The lemur leaps from branch to branch thanks to its long tail, which helps it maintain balance. In fact, there are over a hundred lemur species in Madagascar: some measure 70cm and weigh more than 10kg (this is the indri, a black lemur), while the smallest, also the world's smallest primates, weigh just 30g! The most famous, star of the animated film "Madagascar," is the ring-tailed lemur, also called Maki, with its distinctive black and white striped tail.

The Fossa

The most feared predator of lemurs is the fossa, an animal endemic to Madagascar. This large cat is the island's largest carnivore. It lives mostly solitary and hunts both day and night. Measuring about 70cm in length, it is smaller than a puma and weighs on average 10kg.

The Aye-aye

Another unique feature of Madagascar, the aye-aye is found nowhere else in the world. This primate with large triangular ears resembling those of bats also has a long tail. It feeds mainly on insects, which it retrieves from tree holes using its long fingers. It is the world's largest nocturnal primate, measuring nearly 90cm in length.

The Panther Chameleon

Madagascar is also home to numerous surprising reptiles and insects, including the world's largest chameleon. The panther chameleon measures approximately 60cm long, so you'll have a good chance of spotting one. But it camouflages itself very well, capable of displaying 25 different colors to blend with its surroundings!

The Humpback Whale

Madagascar is also a wonderful destination for observing marine wildlife and notably whales that pass through during their migration. This is where you can observe humpback whales, known for their incredible breaches.

The Star Tortoise

Between land and sea, the tortoises of Madagascar are also part of this world of wonders. Many varieties are found there, but one of the most remarkable is the star tortoise. Inhabiting notably the southern part of the island, the star tortoise is blessed with a magnificent shell streaked with yellow. It can live up to approximately one hundred years, but it is critically endangered.

The Blue Coua

During your trip to Madagascar, remember to look up from time to time. In the sky, magnificent endemic birds complete this tableau of songs and colors. You will notably be able to admire the blue coua with its long tail and spectacular plumage.

Marion Biremon