Table of Contents

Author’s Note

Acknowledgments

Foreword by Russell A. Mittermeier

Preface

Map

Introduction. Puts Madagascar in context, both geographically and historically.

Part I: Deep into a Primordial Land: The Perfumed Isle.

Part II: Deep into a Primordial Land: The Spiny Desert

Herpetologist Chris Raxworthy’s studies of reptiles and amphibians in Madagascar.

Part III: Search for the Pygmy Hippo.

Paleoecologist Dave Burney’s groundbreaking studies of past environments in Madagascar. The setting is Anjohibe.

Part IV: The Most Beautiful Enigma in the World.

Archeologist Bob Dewar is trying to find out who the first Malagasy were, including when, how, and why they arrived. Peter Tyson tries to find out who the Malagasy are today. Set in the vanilla-growing country of northeast Madagascar near Sambava.

Part V: Island of Dreams.

Can Madagascar be saved? Primatologist and conservationist Patricia Wright attacks the problem at a rainforest national park known as Ranomafana, where she is perfecting a model for conservation. Set in the mountain jungle in the southeast of Madagascar, just off the High Plateau.

Epilogue

Chronicles a single day in Madagascar, with personal experiences and anecdotes.

Glossary. Source Notes. Bibliography. Index