Extinct Madagascar - Picturing the Island''s Past

The forests of Madagascar are legendary for their incredible biodiversity, and the mammal fauna in particular is far more diverse, and largely endemic, than most places on earth. A new carnivorous mongoose was discovered recently, dubbed Durrell s vontsira (Salanoia durrelli) after the late British conservationist Gerald Durrell, and it is one of just many of this extraordinary group. But with each new find, so too is Madagascar experiencing alarming extinction rates, and the forests have lost in recent time hundreds of charismatic and ecologically and evolutionarily distinct species.
"Extinct Madagascar "explores the recent past of Madagascar mammals, introducing readers to the geologic and ecological history of Madagascar, providing the context for mammalian evolution and diversification. Originally commissioned color plates depict species and entire communities, and reconstruct a recent past in part to remind us all what is at stake in current and future conservation of these incredible faunas."

About the author

Steven M. Goodman has studied different aspects of the fauna of Madagascar for close to three decades and published numerous scientific articles and books on a variety of subjects. He holds the posts of MacArthur Field Biologist at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and scientific advisor for the Association Vahatra in Antananarivo.

Summary

The landscapes of Madagascar have long delighted zoologists, who have discovered, in and among the island's baobad trees and thickets, a dizzying array of animals, including something approaching one hundred species of lemur. This book helps you explore these land animal extinctions.

Product details

• Authors: Steven M. Goodman, Steven M. Jungers Goodman, Goodman Steven M., William L. Jungers, William L. (State University of New York at Stony Brook Jungers, Jungers William L.
• Assisted by: Velizar Simeonovski (Illustration), Simeonovski Velizar (Illustration)
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 04.09.2014
• EAN: 9780226143972
• ISBN: 978-0-226-14397-2
• No. of pages: 296
• Series: Emersion: Emergent Village resources for communities of faith
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > Ecology; SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Ecology, NATURE / Endangered Species, Madagascar, Endangered species & extinction of species, Ecological science, the Biosphere, Endangered species and extinction of species