Biodiversity of Madagascar
by Kaile Burgess
July 17, 2005

I count my self very lucky because I am one of three out of the eleven volunteers on this two week long Earthwatch expedition to actually see a Fossa. But to simply see a Fossa was not the reason for me traveling half way around the world to Madagascar. I came to see the amazing amount of unique biodiversity that Madagascar, and Madagascar alone, has to offer. The shear amount of animals that you see just walking in the woods is incredible compared to other places. There are all kinds of birds, from quails, to parrots, to hawks, to an uncountable amount of songbirds. But the biodiversity does not stop there, there are lizards, geckos, snakes and lemurs, not to mention all the various kinds of insects. The amazing part of the trip is seeing everything, but the saddest part is realizing that it is all in grave danger of not being here in ten years. But the most rewarding and valuable thing that I will take home with me is the motivation and desire to help. I have a renewed desire to help keep Madagascar the way it is, as well as improve the environment and the society of Madagascar and other countries around the world. Being here and seeing the serious situation that Madagascar is in first hand really renews my desire to “save the world” or at least do as much as I can. That kind of motivation is invaluable and I am thankful for the chance to come on this trip and get that myself and I am excited about getting everyone at home educated and motivated in the same way.