Madagascar Mammal Material
Back in 2020 B.C (Before Covid) I was planning a return to Madagascar.
And last month, in a fit of naieve optimism, I started looking again at where to go and what mammals to search for. I have a great deal I still want to see.
The bad news is that the island remains closed to tourists.
The good news is that when it does open there are a some very useful new resources to help plan mammalwatching trips, including a new book on the mammals of Madagascar, from Russ Mittermeier, conservationist, primatewatching ambassador and star of the mammalwatching podcast.
Tthe new Lynx & re:wild guide to the Mammals of Madagascar is a taxonomically uptodate, illustrated checklist to the more than 250 Madagascan mammals, including 112 lemur species. It also covers the few mammals of Reunion, the Seychelles, the Comoros and Mauritius.
Each species is described and illustrated and its range is mapped.
An added bonus is a section covering 52 mammalwatching sites across the island that lists the notable species found in each. Very useful for planning an itinerary, particularly I a second or third trip.
Brilliant stuff. One day there might be resources like this for every country.
You might also want to check out the Lemur Conservation Network’s site, including their informatoon on travel to Madagascar.
The only drawback is I am now keener than ever to get back there.
Jon
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Alan Godwin
Hi Jon
It was a pleasure to read your enthusiasm for the wildlife of Madagascar, which I share wholeheartedly.
Actually Madagascar is currently open to tourists, subject to the following rules as described in the FCDO website:
“All travellers to Madagascar need to follow pre-departure PCR test and arrival testing and quarantine requirements, regardless of vaccination status.
These include:
negative PCR test result taken within 72hrs before departure
confirmation of hotel booking for 2 nights (and advance payment for at least 1 night) for quarantine on arrival at a designated hotel
mandatory PCR test on arrival (at a cost of €25 / US$30 / 115,000 Ariary)
letter of commitment to remain in quarantine until receiving a negative arrival PCR test result (usually within 24-48hrs), and a locator form detailing your movements after quarantine
If your arrival PCR test result is positive for COVID-19, you will be required to quarantine for a further 14 days at a designated hotel at your own cost, and may be referred to a local medical facility for treatment if you develop serious symptoms. You should check what your insurance covers in advance of travel.
Further details and forms for completion can be found on the Madagascar Tourism website (in French).
You will need a non-immigrant visa to enter or travel through Madagascar as a short term visitor, or an immigrant visa for stays over 90 days.
See Visas section for more information.”
We have been running tours to Madagascar for nearly 30 years and can arrange your tour for you. If you are booking for later in the year, there’s a very good chance these rules won’t apply then, but for now we would need to build in a two-night stay in Tana on arrival.
Do get in touch with me if you wish, on: alan@reefandrainforest.co.uk Tel: 01803 866965
All the best
Alan Godwin
Director
Reef & Rainforest Tours
UK