Madagascar is the largest island in Africa and oldest geological island on Earth (it split from the African and Indian continents 60 million years ago). Because of its long geographic isolation and the complete lack of human presence until 2,000 years ago, the island nation features almost unparalleled biodiversity and endemism.

84% of terrestrial vertebrate species (including all 101 of the world’s lemur species and half of the chameleon species), 83% of plant species, and 93% of freshwater fish species are found only in Madagascar.

That unique biodiversity combined with the coral reefs and rich waters of the Western Indian Ocean make Madagascar ground zero for conservation.

It is an island where the people will perish without its natural resources, but the natural resources could perish because of the people.

The Wildlife Conservation Society, founded in 1895 in New York City and active in 500 conservation projects in 65 countries, works to save wildlife and wild places worldwide and to create a world where societies embrace and benefit from thriving wildlife.

According to royalrobbins.com