Madagascar – An Destination With Unparalleled Bio-Diversity
Sometimes, a regular old vacation just won’t cut it. Those who are looking to go on vacation need something wilder, but that the kind of wild that involves too much booze too late at night. Wild like pristine natural habitat full of animals. While there are plenty of places on Earth like this, Madagascar is second to none. If you’ve ever had an interest in nature – of if there is someone close to you who does – look into traveling to Madagascar. However, a passports renewal is required if you are thinking of traveling outside US borders.
The passport acquisition process can be downright frustrating. If the passport application process is something you’ve ever had to do, you probably know how rough it is capable of being. It can be hard to take time out of your day to visit the post office or passport agency or whatever, then wait in the line (which can be long if it’s traveling season), and then wait a very long time for your passport to actually get to you. However, you can do it online if you like. It certainly saves a lot of the hassle and makes things like passports renewal very easy.
For any traveler who has a special place in their heart for the natural world – plant and animal biodiversity – he or she will love Madagascar. What makes the island so unique is the fact that it has been it’s own separate landmass for around 130 million years, and this has created an environment where species can adapt and become different. This has resulted in a massive population of animals and plants that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. These are called endemic species. Of all the species found on the island of Madagascar, 80% can only be found there. Out of the 10,000 plant species on the island, 9,000 can only be found there. Additionally, 90% of the 260 species of reptiles are endemic, and 100 of 280 species of plant are endemic. The lemurs – arguably the islands most popular residents – come in 99 different species. Scientists are very interested in the island, and consider it one of the most diverse biodiversity hotspots on the entire planet.
One attraction you can’t miss out on is Tsingy de Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 330 square mile nature reserve is regarded as one of best in the world. It gained its special UNESCO status thanks to it’s very unique karst limestone formations – which are absolutely stunning and maybe even a little scary – as well as the bird and lemur population and the preserved mangrove trees.
While the on-land activities are definitely great to partake in, don’t forget the gorgeous ocean that surrounds Madagascar. It is an island, after all. Surfers have been coming to Madagascar for a long time thanks to the constant source of waves. Kayaking and kayak tours are great ways to see the beautiful coastal area. It’s also a very popular deep sea fishing spot, since the island is pretty far from the mainland.
Anyone who appreciates nature will have a great time in Madagascar. When you combine seeing all the special endemic species, stunning natural habitats both on land in the water, and the local history and culture, it’s an experience that can’t be beat. Just remember that you still have to have a USA Passport to travel there. Passport replacement and other passport services like United States online passport renewal are available online.
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