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 history
- Coedited by 18 different specialists
- Features hundreds of new contributions by world-class experts
- Includes hundreds of new illustrations
- Covers a broad array of topics, from geology and climate to animals, plants, and marine life
- Sheds light on newly discovered species and draws on the latest science
- An essential resource for anyone interested in Madagascar or tropical ecosystems in general, from biologists and conservationists to ecotourists and armchair naturalists
Steven M. Goodman is the MacArthur Field Biologist at the Field Museum of Natural History, a cofounder of Association Vahatra in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and Professor Honoris Causa at the University of Antananarivo. He has authored or coauthored close to 600 publications concerning different aspects of Madagascar.
“A truly amazing work. I can think of no other account of the natural history of a country that even comes close. A historic achievement.”—Russell A. Mittermeier, Chief Conservation Officer at Re:wild, coauthor of Lemurs of Madagascar
“A reference of fundamental importance for those of us concerned with biology and conservation in what is probably the most interesting island in the world.”—Peter H. Raven, author of Driven by Nature: A Personal Journey from Shanghai to Botany and Global Sustainability
“The most thorough and comprehensive account of the natural history of Madagascar yet, and it will set the standard for many years to come.”―BBC Wildlife
“An extraordinary compendium. . . . This wonderful book provides a magnificent overview of one of the strangest and most glorious chunks of the planet—a place that is so much more than a load of old lemurs.”—Adrian Barnett, New Scientist
“The book moves from the broad brush strokes of the island’s geological history to detailed accounts of its organisms, including its famous aye-aye lemurs, its fantastical baobab trees, and its twelve-foot-tall elephant bird.”—Carol Kaesuk Yoon, New York Times
“For those who are serious about getting to know this fascinating island, there is no better resource. . . . It is the closest thing to a comprehensive natural history of the region ever produced.”—Tim Flannery, Nature
“A scientific milestone and by far the largest synthesis of tropical biology research ever.”―Science
“A vast and comprehensive work that will be a key reference on the country’s biodiversity for years to come. It will also stand testament to the future efforts of conservationists to protect the island’s unique natural heritage.”―The Economist
