Capital

Antananarivo

Official Language(s)

Malagasy & French

Fun Fact

Only place on Earth where lemurs exist in the wild

National Animal

Ring-tailed Lemur

National Bird

Madagascar Fish Eagle

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of Madagascar

The Animal Laws of Madagascar PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Madagascar. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Madagascar

Madagascar Fish Eagle

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

The Madagascar Fish Eagle is a rare bird of prey found only on the island of Madagascar. Recognized by its white head and chest, dark brown body, and powerful hooked beak, it lives near lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where it hunts fish and other aquatic animals. As one of the world's rarest eagles, it faces serious threats from habitat loss, overfishing, and human disturbance, making it critically endangered.

Ring-tailed Lemur

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Ring-tailed Lemur is one of the most recognizable lemur species, found only on the island of Madagascar. It is known for its long black-and-white striped tail, which it uses for communication and balance. Ring-tailed Lemurs live in social groups and spend more time on the ground than most lemur species, feeding on fruits, leaves, flowers, and insects. Habitat loss and hunting have led to significant population declines, making the species endangered.

Fossa

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Fossa is Madagascar’s largest native predator and is found only on the island of Madagascar. Although it resembles a small cougar or mongoose, it is most closely related to the mongoose family. Fossas are agile climbers that hunt lemurs, birds, and other small animals in the forest canopy and on the ground. Habitat loss and declining prey populations have made this unique carnivore vulnerable to extinction.

Parson's Chameleon

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

Parson's Chameleon is one of the largest chameleon species in the world and is found only in the rainforests of Madagascar. Known for its impressive size and vibrant green coloration, it uses independently moving eyes to scan for prey and predators. Parson's Chameleons feed primarily on insects and other small animals, capturing them with their long, projectile tongues. Habitat loss and collection for the pet trade have contributed to population declines in some areas.

Comet Moth

IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated – Considered Endangered

The Comet Moth is one of the world's largest and most spectacular moths, found only on the island of Madagascar. It is recognized by its bright yellow wings and the long, ribbon-like tails extending from its hindwings. Adult comet moths do not eat and survive only a few days, living long enough to reproduce. Habitat loss and environmental changes pose threats to this remarkable insect and its forest habitat.

Tomato Frog

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Tomato Frog is a brightly colored amphibian found only on the island of Madagascar. Named for its vivid red-orange coloration, it uses its bright colors to warn predators and can secrete a sticky substance from its skin when threatened. Tomato Frogs feed on insects and other small invertebrates and are commonly found in forests, marshes, and gardens near water. Habitat loss remains the primary threat to this distinctive species.