• There are more species of chameleon in Madagascar than anywhere else in the world. Because of their slow nature and reliance on camouflage and colouring, chameleons are quite obliging photo subjects. Nikon D700, 15mm f2.8 lens, 1/80s @ f/20, ISO 160.
    There are more species of chameleon in Madagascar than anywhere else in the world. Because of their slow nature and reliance on camouflage and colouring, chameleons are quite obliging photo subjects. Nikon D700, 15mm f2.8 lens, 1/80s @ f/20, ISO 160.
  • Parson’s chameleon, the world’s largest chameleon species, is found in the rainforests of eastern and northern Madagascar. Nikon D700, 105mm f2.8 lens, 1/500s @ f/7.1, ISO 1000.
    Parson’s chameleon, the world’s largest chameleon species, is found in the rainforests of eastern and northern Madagascar. Nikon D700, 105mm f2.8 lens, 1/500s @ f/7.1, ISO 1000.
  • Parson’s chameleon, the world’s largest chameleon species, is found in the rainforests of eastern and northern Madagascar. Nikon D700, 105mm f2.8 lens, 1/500s @ f/7.1, ISO 1000.
    Parson’s chameleon, the world’s largest chameleon species, is found in the rainforests of eastern and northern Madagascar. Nikon D700, 105mm f2.8 lens, 1/500s @ f/7.1, ISO 1000.
  • Panoramic sunset view of Madagascar’s enigmatic giant Baobab trees. Nikon D700, 16-35mm f4 lens @ 20mm, 1/160s @ f/22, ISO 100.
    Panoramic sunset view of Madagascar’s enigmatic giant Baobab trees. Nikon D700, 16-35mm f4 lens @ 20mm, 1/160s @ f/22, ISO 100.
  • There are more species of chameleon in Madagascar than anywhere else in the world. Because of their slow nature and reliance on camouflage and colouring, chameleons are quite obliging photo subjects. Nikon D700, 15mm f2.8 lens, 1/80s @ f/20, ISO 160.
    There are more species of chameleon in Madagascar than anywhere else in the world. Because of their slow nature and reliance on camouflage and colouring, chameleons are quite obliging photo subjects. Nikon D700, 15mm f2.8 lens, 1/80s @ f/20, ISO 160.
  • Although common in zoos, the black and white ruffed lemur is one of the rarest of all lemur species. Fortunately, a few populations are preserved and protected in some of Madagascar’s reserves. Nikon D700, 16-35mm f4 lens @ 16mm, 1/1250s @ f/4, ISO 100.
    Although common in zoos, the black and white ruffed lemur is one of the rarest of all lemur species. Fortunately, a few populations are preserved and protected in some of Madagascar’s reserves. Nikon D700, 16-35mm f4 lens @ 16mm, 1/1250s @ f/4, ISO 100.
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My Favourite Location: Dale Morris on Madagascar

27 June 2014
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Madagascar's unique flora and fauna is a magnet for wildlife photographers around the world, writes Dale R. Morris.

I’m a professional wildlife photographer with a particular soft spot for Madagascar, an island off Africa in the Indian Ocean known for its many weird and wonderful animals. Some people like to call it the "eighth continent" because it is so utterly distinct from pretty much everywhere else on the planet. It’s part of Africa, or at least part of the African tectonic plate. But it hasn’t been joined to the mainland continent for something like 153 million years.

This means Madagascar’s birds, plants, animals and even insects have been cut off from the rest of the world for a very long time; long enough for evolution to have its wicked way with them. This has resulted in a collection of creatures which can be found on Madagascar, but nowhere else.

There are more weird and wonderful chameleons and geckos here than the rest of the world put together. There are also lemurs galore – and who amongst us doesn’t adore lemurs?

Other strange animals to look out for are spiny tenrecs (a bit like an echidna) the beautiful fossa (the island’s top cat-like predator and of which I am yet to get a photo) and giraffe necked weevils (the oddest looking insect you are ever likely to encounter).

You'll need your whole kit to make the most of it. Telephotos for the lemurs and birds, macro lenses for the reptiles and insects and wide angles for the glorious beaches, mountains and forests.

I often travel to the island leading photographic expeditions and that’s when I get to spend quality photographic time in all manner of unique and interesting habitats, ranging from spiny woodlands to lush tropical jungles. Madagascar is a stunning location where an ecologically minded photographer could spend an eternity and still never tire of the shots.

It’s not all good news, though. Deforestation, species extinctions and unsustainable land practices by the human population have cast a gloomy cloud over Madagascar’s future (at least where biodiversity is concerned). Many species are facing extinction and others have already gone that route. Landscape outside the national parks is also being destroyed.

I feel it is very important for wildlife photographers, film makers and tourists to visit Madagascar and support the future of wildlife preservation simply by visiting the national parks and spending money there.

Dale R Morris is a professional writer and photographer specialising in travel, adventure, conservation and wildlife. He a regular contributor to BBC Wildlife magazine, Africa Geographic, Men’s Health and many others.

www.geckoeye.com

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