Due to the diversity of its terrain and climates, Madagascar’s fauna and flora are among the most varied in the world, with an endemism rate (species found nowhere else on Earth) reaching 90% according to researchers. Marine ecology is also exceptionally rich, though still relatively poorly understood.
The Red Island still retains part of its primary forest and is one of the richest places on Earth in terms of biodiversity. It has around forty protected areas, subdivided into national parks (NP), strict nature reserves (SNR), and special reserves.