Friday, January 13, 2023

Book Review - Handbook of Mammals of Madagascar - Princeton University Press

 


     The mere mention of Madagascar conjures up endemism, evolution, and speciation writ large, a realm of wonder for mammalogist and ornithologist alike, a world of marvels for plant biologists, ancient formations for geologists - a source of fascination, delight and learning for amateur naturalist and dedicated scientist alike.
     Few people have more field experience in Madagascar than Nick Garbutt and he has produced a first rate photographic guide to its mammals. Garbutt is a talented photographer and an accomplished artist and his skills (and those of others) are put to good use in this book.
     We are treated to an exploration of the biogeography of this enchanted island, with an examination of the various theories about how the first mammals arrived, and their radiation into the unique animals found there today. 
     This is followed by a section on the regions and habitats of Madagascar, essential information for any visitor seeking specific organisms. 
     A summary of the mammals of Madagascar is followed by the detailed species accounts, which are superbly done. All of the information one might expect is provided along with a range map and stunning photographs. This section is a real treat!
     All is not well in paradise, however. Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, but population growth, and the resultant exploitation of the island's resources, and the transformation and degradation of habitat is rampant. Between 1970 and 2021, the human population rose from c.6.5 million to c.28.5 million - and it is still growing. This spells disaster, not only for humans born into poverty and doomed to die in misery, but for every other living creature on the island, its forests, streams and highlands. Garbutt cites Golden et al, "..... a 'perfect storm' scenario is being played out, whereby rural populations are bound into a downward spiral of self-depletion of their nutritional resources that will impact their health and livelihoods, and simultaneously cause the extinction of numerous endemics.' A staggering 96% of lemurs are threatened with extinction.
     Deforestation continues at an alarming rate, illegal hunting is rampant, with virtually no enforcement of laws designed to protect wildlife, mining creates huge land degradation problems, polluting soil and water, and poisoning the air. Road construction is bisecting critical habitat compelling animals to try to eke out an existence in ever smaller parcels of land. Even high status hotels keep "pet" lemurs so that tourists can take "selfies." The domestic pet trade is a huge source of animal depletion, both domestically and for the perverse desire of people in the west to keep exotic pets. The fact that it is illegal seems to have little impact in stemming the trade in these animals. It is axiomatic that when the animals are gone the tourists who came to see them will be gone too.
     Garbutt closes the book with a section on extinct mammal fauna. It is with despair that one can only conclude that this list is likely to grow - and very soon.
     I know a fellow who is a guide for a well-known and highly respected nature tour company who visits Madagascar annually. He confessed to me that while appreciating the opportunity to experience the unique flora and fauna, he is deeply saddened - depressed in fact, at the ongoing habitat destruction, and the reduced number of sites to experience the unique wildlife he has come to love.
     In reality, Madagascar's wildlife is the patrimony of all the world, yet there is little optimism that we will collectively protect it. Environmental and ecological responsibility has never been our strong suit.
     Tragically, Garbutt may have produced a requiem for many of these species. Today, despite having reviewed an exceptional book, I am left with a heavy heart. The future looks bleak.

Handbook to Mammals of Madagascar - Princeton University Press
Nick Garbutt
Hardcover - US$49.95 - ISBN 9780691239910
488 pages - 6.75 x 9.5 inches (16.875 x 23.75 cm)
Publication date: 28 February, 2023
     

 

David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

54 comments:

  1. ...for me, this is an exotic place!

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  2. I would venture a guess that it's exotic for all of us, Tom.

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  3. Son muy interesantes esos ejemplares que solo se pueden ver en la Naturaleza de ciertos territorios.

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  4. Hari OM
    I saw a documentary last year on exactly the habitat loss and other issues that Madagascar faces - it might almost be considered the terra firma equivalent of the canary in the mine... YAM xx

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  5. The cover of the book is pretty impressive.

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  6. I totally understand, and share, your very heavy heart. When will we learn... And do we have time enough left?

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    1. When will we learn? The answer is clearly - never.

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  7. The cover photo is very beautiful, David. They are very cute. I'm sure Madagacar is a very special place to be.
    I hope they take good care of all the animals there.
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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    1. The problem is, Marit, that they do not take care of them. Their future looks very uncertain. Hugs and kisses - David.

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  8. Thanks for raising my awareness on Madagascar, sad.

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  9. Maravillosa y a su vez entristecedora reseña. Hace unos días precisamente leí un artículo sobre Madagascar y los peligros de muchas especies que están en peligro de extinción. Qué pena que el ser humano no recapacite y aprecie las pocas joyas que quedan de la naturaleza, parece que queramos terminar a conciencia con ellas en vez de protegerlas. En estos casos se deberían involucrar organismos internacionales para que estos hechos no den lugar a una posible extinción de especies. Es un drama y producen ganas de llorar.
    Un gran abrazo estimado amigo y compadre David

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  10. A very sad state of affairs, and we never learn as you say. Thank you for introducing this book to us David.

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  11. The only thing about Madagascar I know is strictly from the Penguins in Madagascar. Sad. I do not think we'll go there. We are retired now, and our cheap dates are going to see the doctor. Sigh.

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    1. I think you are slightly confused, Susan. There are no penguins on Madagascar.

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  12. It is so sad if Madagascar loses some of their biodiversity and unique species. That is a whole lot of population growth Happy weekend David. hugs-Erika

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  13. I'll probably never visit Madagascar, but whether or not we go there, we all have an interest in preserving its wildlife.

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  14. This is really too sad for words.
    Man really destroys everything, his own living environment but also that of the animals, really a shame.
    Greetings Irma

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  15. I remember watching a David Attenborough documentary when he visited Madagascar to investigate the fate of Aepyornis maximus, the island's extinct elephant birds. They were believed to be the largest birds that ever lived, and evidence of their existence is still to be found on the island. It is believed that they died out during the middle of the 17th century. Have we learnt - sadly the answer is no.

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  16. How sad that so many arts ar threatened by extinction. Hugs, Valerie xx

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  17. Whilst, from your review, this would appear to be an excellent book, David, right now I need to focus on more uplifting material, and not dive into tales of doom and gloom that I am unable to, personally, ameliorate, so this will not be one for me.

    Best wishes to you and Miriam - - - Richard

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    1. It is a fine book, Richard, but in many ways it mirrors the species extinction events occurring now, and set to increase exponentially, around the world. And it's not only enigmatic species like lemurs and tenrecs, insects are in dire straits too. The world is in a sorry state.

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  18. Hello,
    Great review, I would love to see the Mammals of Madagascar. Life on the island is not good for the mammals, loosing their habitats. It is so sad, the future sounds awful.
    Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

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  19. That is really a sad story. Just this week I saw an article in The Guardian titled "Madagascar’s unique wildlife faces imminent wave of extinction, say scientists" -- same thing as the book you have reviewed. I enjoyed your review.

    best.... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  20. One little bit of light at the end of the tunnel - Five species of lemurs are living at La Vallee des Singes in the Charente and are happily breeding there. I know the numbers might be small compared to being totally in the wild, but some one is caring. Bisous Diane

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    1. There are islands of conservation for various species around the world, Diane. Whether it is enough and whether reintroduction will ever be possible is another matter entirely. For many species their habitat is simply being obliterated. Add to that burgeoning human populations, planetary warming and corrupt politicians and their future does not look bright.

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    2. Humans are the worst predator ever, in so many ways. They destroy habitat and hunt for the 'fun' of it. 😡

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  21. This is what the future will be like.
    Many elements of flora and fauna will only be found in books.

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    1. You are assuming that we have a future, and I am far from convinced that that is true.

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  22. When I gave birth to my children, I thought they would spend their lives in a happy place ... it grieves me as that has all changed. Nature has been my world since I was a child and to see it all ravaged at the hands of man is my greatest disappointment in life . ... then you add to that the nightmare we are experiencing politically in the country that I love ... it is a wonder I can even get up in the morning. I know, we need to fight the good fight (as you are doing every day), so I keep trying, but disappointments can drag one down. I probably won't read this book, David, because it will just make me more upset, but that you put it out there so that at least one more oblivious person might realize what is happening ... that is a good thing. That is not to say that your readers are oblivious, quite the opposite, but one can hope that you can reach those that are and can open their eyes to this disaster. One day at a time, one person at a time ... it is a good start :) Stay well, David ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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  23. Hi David - Madagascar's situation is very serious and you've described it perfectly ... probably near extinction ... and whether we have a future ... I'm sure you're right there too. Cheers Hilary

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  24. Is there any hope for our species at all David? the more I read, the more I see documentaries the more I despair. I think often of the Aga Khan who worked with one of my brothers and one of his missions was to educate women, thus giving them control of their own lives and ceasing the population increases and the rampant corporate greed that follows in our poorer and less advantaged countries. But his philosophy and contributions to this ideal only makes a small dent in the overall challenges we are all facting.
    As someone said, Madagascar is the canary. One of them.
    XO
    WWW
    XO

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  25. You always know how to keep our interest!

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  26. It must be a little paradise. Thank you for sharing.

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  27. Kudos to Nick Garbutt and those like him who attempt to highlight the peril of our planet's natural places.

    Thanks to reporters such as you, David, who provide a conduit for information about our world. I don't know if it's too late to make a difference, but will continue to keep my grandchildren informed.

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  28. The situation in Madagascar is very sad.

    Many thanks for this book review, the cover photograph is lovely.

    All the best Jan

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  29. So sad about the dire conditions of wildlife in such places with great potential.

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  30. From reading your review it appears Madagascar's wildlife is in danger of extinction. Thank you for making me aware of this problem and let's hope those who could help with the problem will do so before it is too late.

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    1. For some species we appear to have passed the tipping point, tragically.

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  31. Nice!I wish i could travel to Madagaskar!

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  32. Oh! I felt excited when I saw that he writer was a photographer, but then knowing that these animals are threatened made me very sad. My daughter was there in 2011. http://www.mariesworldtour.com/search/label/Madagascar

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  33. “Between 1970 and 2021, the human population rose from c.6.5 million to c.28.5 million - and it is still growing. This spells disaster, not only for humans born into poverty and doomed to die in misery, but for every other living creature on the island, its forests, streams and highlands.” Garbutt is right on. Sadly, not only is this “perfect storm” playing out in Madagascar, but on the globe as well. It’s just not quite as easy to observe. I think you may have reached the same conclusion with your review, judging by your closing: “I am left with a heavy heart. The future looks bleak.” Thank you, David, for this review. Also, a special thank you for your very kind comments on my 12th anniversary post on my blog.

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    1. In the interests of accuracy, John, those are my words not Garbutt's.

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    2. Thanks, David, for setting me straight. If I may say so, maybe you should start writing books! 😊

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  34. I've read books that affect me in that way -- exceptional writing, research, thought behind it. And profoundly sad and heavy.

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    1. This situation is being replicated all over the world, Jeanie. We are daily losing biodiversity. When was the last time you had to clean your windshield of insects? They are disappearing at an alarming rate. Yet generally there seems to be total indifference on behalf of most people.

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  35. Siento mucho que pasen esas cosas. La naturaleza hay que cuidarla y no lo estamos haciendo. Un abrazo fuerte querido amigo David.

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  36. You have opened my eyes to so many things. I may not read the books you review, but just reading your posts about them enlightens me. Thank you, David. The book cover is spectacular.

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