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Lemurs 'cross dressing' to avoid conflict
"Young female red-fronted lemurs in Madagascar adopt male coloration to dupe their aggressive female groupmates, a new study found.
These "cross dressing" primates thus avoid the wrath of older females, which would attack them to reduce sexual competition.
All red-fronted lemurs are born with the same greyish brown fur and rusty-red crowns that distinguish adult males.
At 7 to 17 weeks later, females' coats change to a cinnamon hue, and their crowns become white."
This reminds me of a bawdy sixties romantic comedy... a la Some Like it Hot. "Young female red-fronted lemurs in Madagascar adopt male coloration to dupe their aggressive female groupmates, a new study foun... more -
Tiny lemur species discovered in Madagascar
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown species of mouse lemur on the island of Madagascar. The find brings the global number of mouse lemurs to 16. Researchers have discovered a previously unknown species of mouse lemur on the island of Madagascar. The find brings the global number... more
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The Madagascar Turtle Crisis
These tortoises and turtles are critically endangered due to the illegal pet and food trade. They are also threatened by habitat loss.
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Scientists unveil conservation roadmap for species of Madagascar
A vast study of the plants and animals unique to Madagascar was published Thursday in a bid to protect thousands of rare species found only on the large African island.
The island is home to two percent of the Earth's total biodiversity, and only in Madagascar can you find wild lemurs, as well as several species of butterflies, frogs, geckos and ants. Half of the world's chameleon species also live there.
A team of 22 scientists has drawn up a detailed plan to protect this unique environment from the ravages of modern life and protect some 2,300 species which co-habit on the island, the fourth largest in the world.
The team drew up a road map for the 226,642-square-mile (587,000-square-kilometer) island, considered one of the most significant biodiversity hot spots in the world, the Science study said.
They collected detailed data on the exact locations of animal and plant species across the island and then used special software to track their ranges and create special protection zones.
Those species at greater risk of extinction because their habits are fast disappearing due to deforestation, were given priority in the plan.
"Conservation planning has historically focused on protecting one species or one group of species at a time, but in our race to beat species extinction, that one-taxon approach is not going to be quick enough," said co-author Claire Kremen from the University of California, Berkeley. A vast study of the plants and animals unique to Madagascar was published Thursday in a bid to protect thousands of rare species found... more -
UN Aid Agencies Continue Relief in Madagascar
After Cyclones Fame, Ivan, and Jokwe struck Madagascar earlier this year, the U.N. continue to aid Madagascar. Dozens of people were killed and 190,000 people were left homeless by the cyclones. Relief has been coming along, but 36 million is still needed to provide aid across the country. After Cyclones Fame, Ivan, and Jokwe struck Madagascar earlier this year, the U.N. continue to aid Madagascar. Dozens of people were ... more
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Cyclone Ivan kills at least 44, leaves 145,000 homeless in Madagascar
Madagascar is suffering following a category three cyclone that hit the east coast last Sunday. Disease is already on the rise, as a humanitarian catastrophe devastates the island nation. The conditions are described as "deplorable." There will like be more casualties. Madagascar is suffering following a category three cyclone that hit the east coast last Sunday. Disease is already on the rise, as a ... more
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New tree species found in Madagascar
A tree that needs some therapy.
It's a self-destructing tree the flowers once every 100 years. Before it flowers it looks like any other palm tree. Then an asparagus like shoot, shoots out the top of the tree (sounds like "Alien" to me) and starts to spread. The the branches of this shoot becomes covered in tiny white flowers that "ooze with nectar." This attracts all the birds and the bees (insects) :)
Here comes the sad part, all that flowering and oozing is too much for the tree, too much effort. So, it collapses and dies.
You would think it would learn it's lesson, no oozing flowers (or at least learn from its sister trees). However, in another hundred years here comes some more oozing. A tree that needs some therapy. ... more -
Saving Madagascar
Current's Adam Yamaguchi goes to otherworldly Madagascar, an island struggling to flourish after bouts with environmental suicide. Current's Adam Yamaguchi goes to otherworldly Madagascar, an island struggling to flourish after bouts with environmental suicide... more
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No, No, No - Santa Bans 'Gats'
I played with plastic guns - 'gats' - as a kid. My parents were fine with it. Now, however, there's quite a lot of drama surrounding the entire premise of the kiddies playing with toy guns. I suppose in our post-Columbine world Madagascar might be on to something of a precedent worth following...? I played with plastic guns - 'gats' - as a kid. My parents were fine with it. Now, however, there's quite a lot of dram... more
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Reptilemania!
Adam Yamaguchi visits an exotic animal park in Madagascar, one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet.
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