7 Ate Nine / 6th Sense

So, you may remember how Madagascar has some crazy animals that aren't found anywhere else on the planet. In fact, about 90% of the plants and animals on Madagascar aren't found anywhere else on the planet.

That's pretty stinking cool.

So, I've decided to dedicate the last seven posts (yikes! Only a week to go!!) to some of the amazing wildlife that calls this island home.

BROOKESIA MICRA 

(aka the tiniest and most adorable chameleon in the world)

This teeny weeny little thing is among the smallest reptiles, and is THE smallest known chameleon. It's the size of a match-head, and pokes around among fallen leaves all day, then clambers up into a shrub to snooze. They eat even tinier bugs and use their camouflage to hide among the leaves when threatened.

It's so cute I might die.

CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS 

(aka Madagascar Periwinkle)

This particular variety of the lovely little purpley-pink blossom is especially awesome as it is the source of a number of medications, namely those used to treat leukemia and lymphoma. 

 

The plant is, unfortunately, endangered in the wild, but is widely cultivated throughout the world in nurseries and gardens.