Cruise Report

2020/9/24

To a village in Madagascar

A visit to local villages and interaction with local residents is a program unique to Peace Boat voyages. We visit areas where tourists rarely can go, and are welcomed by local community members when we arrive! For many children, our visit is the first time for them to meet anyone from another country. Communication is a little nervous at first, but with a vigorous curiosity. Experience the traditional songs and dances of the village together and have a good time, and in no time you can have a friendly and warm atmosphere. After spending such time together in cultural exchange, this faraway place turns into a place where you have friends.

Meet unique animals

Encountering unique animals is also a special experience in Madagascar. The island is home to numerous national parks and nature reserves, where you can see reptiles such as chameleons, turtles and lizards, as well as colorful birds and unique fox monkeys. The most popular creatures in Madagascar are the various lemurs. The island is home to more than 100 species of lemurs, including petite aye-aye with elongated fingers, Sifakas and ring-tailed lemurs. The largest lemur currently seen, the Indri, is known for its distinctive cry of reaching up to two kilometers away.

The Sifaka, which jumps on the ground, is a type of lemur. By nature, Sifaka spends most of their lives in trees, usually do not move on the ground. However, due to the loss of forests due to human activities, they had no choice but to descend to the ground. The Sifaka’s body structure is not suitable for walking, so every 5 to 6 steps they get tired and rest. The charming jump of Sifaka is actually a sad appearance that deviates from the original ecology. Madagascar is home to nine species of Sifaka, all of which are classified as endangered or critically endangered and have a limited habitat.

As the appearance of baobabs and Sifakas tells us, the nature of Madagascar and its unique biodiversity is rapidly being lost as a result of human activities. This reality is by no means a problem only for the islanders of Madagascar to solve, and is one of the problems that the entire world, including us, must face. Knowing the importance of the global environment and thinking about environmental issues ——The journey around Madagascar, a treasure trove of nature, is a time to meet many unique creatures, experience the mystery of life, and also to look at the “now” and “future” of the earth.