▲These flame-red and somewhat comedic amphibians are an endangered species.

▲One of Madagascar's most threatened amphibian species, this attractive frog is poisonous. Admire it from a distance.

▲The UNESCO protected mineral forest of Tsingy de Bemaraha stands on the western coast of Madagascar. The astonishing limestone formations resemble blades and are razor sharp.

▲One of the most celebrated—and certainly one of the most bizarre—critters of Madagascar can be admired in the eastern rain forests of the island.

▲With its turquoise eye shadow and azure plumage, this is one of the prettiest and most fashionable of Madagascar's endemic bird species. It's a member of the cuckoo family.

▲Possessing a vibrant, technicolor coat, this showy lizard is found in the eastern and northern areas of the island.

▲Known also as the babakoto, the critically endangered indri is one of the largest lemurs found on the island. This particular species is the subject of numerous myths and legends surrounding the Malagasy people.

▲The cat-like fossa is Madagascar's very own cougar, although the animal is closely related to the mongoose family.

▲You'll need patience and a penchant for staying up all night to spy this endangered lemur, the world's largest nocturnal primate.

▲Tenrecs are found on Madagascar and in parts of the African mainland. A diverse species, some resemble hedgehogs, like this spiky, punky, peroxide-colored resident.

▲This exquisite aerodynamic beauty is one of the world's largest silk moths.

▲The Andringitra Massif, located within the Andringitra National Park, provides adventure tourists with excellent hiking and backpacking opportunities.

▲Known locally as Nosy Boraha, the channel between the island and Madagascar is prime whale-watching territory.

▲Home to an exciting variety of fauna, including the endangered Malagasy rainbow frog, the park can be trekked—but only with a local guide.

▲Anchored off the northwest coast of Madagascar, the busy tourist resort of Nosy Be offers visitors verdant island retreats and near-deserted beaches.

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The adult female (right) is entirely green while the adult male is distinguished by its pale grey head and upper body.

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One of the island's most recognized natural wonders, the baobab trees lining the dirt track between Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina are a world-famous attraction.

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Its bizarre and totally unique appearance places this species of nocturnal reptile at the top of wildlife enthusiasts' wish lists.

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Named after French adventurer, industrialist, and the first French consul to Madagascar, Jean Laborde (1805–1878).

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Incredibly, this duck was thought to be extinct until the species was rediscovered at Lake Matsaborimena in 2006. Ornithologists flock to Madagascar just to see the extremely rare bird.

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The island was once a haven for pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries. Pictured is a pirates' cemetery.

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Widespread but only found in forested habitats, it is a vulnerable species and generally feared by the island's population.

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The leaping form of a sifaka. Like all lemurs, sifakas are only found in Madagascar.

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One of the largest chameleons, pictured is a male with its distinctive orange eyelids.

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Common across the territory, it's the male of the species that has the bright scarlet plumage.

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This iconic flowering plant isn't a true palm, although it's referred to as traveler's palm.

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The silky sifaka is one of the rarest mammals on earth. It's found in a few protected areas in the rain forests of northeastern Madagascar.

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The most recognized and vocal of the island's lemur populations, these loveable lemurs are nevertheless classified as endangered.

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Their ghostly, large-eyed stare lends these diminutive lemurs a spooky appearance. Indeed, this is another species Malagasy people associate closely with the spiritual world.

▲An island nation in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is a biodiversity hot spot renowned for its rare and spectacular wildlife, 90% of which is found nowhere else on Earth.

Browse the gallery and be amazed at some of the island's incredible flora and fauna.

Why Madagascar is Africa's best-kept secret

Explore this unique island destination

25/10/24 por StarsInsider

TRAVEL Africa

An island nation in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is a biodiversity hot spot renowned for its rare and spectacular wildlife, 90% of which is found nowhere else on Earth.

Browse the gallery and be amazed at some of the island's incredible flora and fauna.