The New Natural History of Madagascar

A marvelously illustrated reference to the natural wonders of one of the most spectacular places on earth.

Separated  from Africa’s mainland for tens of millions of years, Madagascar has  evolved a breathtaking wealth of biodiversity, becoming home to  thousands of species found nowhere else on the planet. The New Natural  History of Madagascar provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date  synthesis available of this island nation’s priceless biological  treasures. Now fully revised and expanded, this beautifully illustrated  compendium features contributions by more than 600 globally renowned  experts who cover the history of scientific exploration in Madagascar,  as well as the island’s geology and soils, climate, forest ecology,  human ecology, marine and coastal ecosystems, plants, invertebrates,  fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. This invaluable  two-volume reference also includes detailed discussions of conservation  efforts in Madagascar that showcase several successful protected area  programs that can serve as models for threatened ecosystems throughout  the world.

Provides the most comprehensive overview of  Madagascar’s rich natural historyCoedited by 18 different  specialistsFeatures hundreds of new contributions by world-class  expertsIncludes hundreds of new illustrationsCovers a broad array of  topics, from geology and climate to animals, plants, and marine  lifeSheds light on newly discovered species and draws on the latest  scienceAn essential resource for anyone interested in Madagascar or  tropical ecosystems in general, from biologists and conservationists to  ecotourists and armchair naturalists.