March 6
Madagascar - Land of the Lemurs
Presenters: Phyllis and Ivar Dolph
Explore the rich island habitat where lemurs thrive, with Phyllis and Ivar Dolph. Both of them are biologists interested in natural history, birds, and island biogeography. Madagascar is about the size of Texas with a variety of habitats from tropical forests to dry deserts, all of which lemurs have adapted to survive in.
Lemurs are unique to Madagascar and look something like a cat crossed with a squirrel and a dog. Together with bushbabies, lorises, and pottos, they are herbivorous primates and share some of the social and behavioral characteristics of monkeys, like forming social groups, eating fruit and vegetation, and being active during the day. Lemurs are an endangered species primarily due to habitat destruction, deforestation and hunting. Lemurs are vocal animals, making sounds that range from the grunts and swears of brown lemurs and sifaka to the chirps of mouse lemurs to the wailing call of the indri, today’s largest lemur.
The Dolphs have traveled across five continents via kayaks to chicken buses. Their trip to Madagascar was one of a lifetime, filled with a rich exoticism and tropical color. They share with us a glimpse into the uncommon wildlife, over 90% of which is found nowhere else on Earth.
Lemurs are unique to Madagascar and look something like a cat crossed with a squirrel and a dog. Together with bushbabies, lorises, and pottos, they are herbivorous primates and share some of the social and behavioral characteristics of monkeys, like forming social groups, eating fruit and vegetation, and being active during the day. Lemurs are an endangered species primarily due to habitat destruction, deforestation and hunting. Lemurs are vocal animals, making sounds that range from the grunts and swears of brown lemurs and sifaka to the chirps of mouse lemurs to the wailing call of the indri, today’s largest lemur.
The Dolphs have traveled across five continents via kayaks to chicken buses. Their trip to Madagascar was one of a lifetime, filled with a rich exoticism and tropical color. They share with us a glimpse into the uncommon wildlife, over 90% of which is found nowhere else on Earth.