Smallest primates discovered in Madagascar
7 Juni 2011
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MADAGASCAR - More than 600 new species discovered on the island of Madagascar in the next 11 years, including the slow loris is claimed as the world's smallest primate.
Experts flora and fauna of the Worldwide Foundation (WWF) identified more than 615 new species in Madagascar in their observations from 1999 to 2010. The species include 41 mammals, 385 plants, 69 amphibians, 61 reptiles, 17 fish and 42 invertebrates.
One of their key findings is Microcebus berthae, or lemurs as long as 10 centimeters in 2000. The animal was then touted as the world's smallest primate. Similarly, as reported by the Daily Mail, Tuesday (06/07/2011).
The experts also found the plant palm Tahina (Tahina spectabilis), which is a big fan palms that bloom only once in his life. In addition, they also found gold Komac spider (Nephila komaci), which is able to spin gold nets with more than one meter long.
Unfortunately, the WWF claims the future of new exotic species is threatened following the widespread destruction of forests. Based on data from the WWF, Madagascar lost more than 1 million hectares of forest over the past 20 years. Moreover, the political climate heats up due to the coup in March 2009 and then, tens of thousands of hectares of forest area were looted in order to get wood.
Even so WWF insists to continue seeking a safe environment for those species. "This report illustrates how Madagascar has a unique ecosystem and irreplaceable," said a senior conservation advisor to WWF UK, Mark Wright.
"WWF is working hard to build a protection area around the island and to promote environmental alternatives that can help people to live harmoniously Madagascar in the middle of nature," he continued.
"Consumers can play an important role, so we work to improve their awareness of the illegal timber trade in an increasingly frenzied and encourage them to choose the wood and paper from a trusted source and responsible," added Wright.
Experts flora and fauna of the Worldwide Foundation (WWF) identified more than 615 new species in Madagascar in their observations from 1999 to 2010. The species include 41 mammals, 385 plants, 69 amphibians, 61 reptiles, 17 fish and 42 invertebrates.
One of their key findings is Microcebus berthae, or lemurs as long as 10 centimeters in 2000. The animal was then touted as the world's smallest primate. Similarly, as reported by the Daily Mail, Tuesday (06/07/2011).
The experts also found the plant palm Tahina (Tahina spectabilis), which is a big fan palms that bloom only once in his life. In addition, they also found gold Komac spider (Nephila komaci), which is able to spin gold nets with more than one meter long.
Unfortunately, the WWF claims the future of new exotic species is threatened following the widespread destruction of forests. Based on data from the WWF, Madagascar lost more than 1 million hectares of forest over the past 20 years. Moreover, the political climate heats up due to the coup in March 2009 and then, tens of thousands of hectares of forest area were looted in order to get wood.
Even so WWF insists to continue seeking a safe environment for those species. "This report illustrates how Madagascar has a unique ecosystem and irreplaceable," said a senior conservation advisor to WWF UK, Mark Wright.
"WWF is working hard to build a protection area around the island and to promote environmental alternatives that can help people to live harmoniously Madagascar in the middle of nature," he continued.
"Consumers can play an important role, so we work to improve their awareness of the illegal timber trade in an increasingly frenzied and encourage them to choose the wood and paper from a trusted source and responsible," added Wright.
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