Madagascar
Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island, and lies in the south west Indian Ocean some 400km off the coast of Mozambique. Almost 1600 km from north to south and 570 km at its widest point from east to west, it is home to 5% of the world's plant and animal species, of which more than 80% are endemic to Madagascar. There are more endemic birds (well over 100) found here than in any other African country. A mountainous backbone runs the length of the island roughly dividing the steeply sloping eastern escarpment and coastal lowlands from the more gently sloping plateaux and lowlands of the west. The capital and largest city is Antananarivo, situated roughly in the centre of the island at 1,370m (4,500 ft). Malagasy and French are the two official languages, but English is now being widely taught in schools.
Number of species recorded to date in Madagascar: 294
Number of endemics: 105