Madagascar's Most Famous Residents

Its wealth of diverse and unique wildlife is one of the main reasons that visitors flock to Madagascar. Wildlife holidays on the African island are at or near the top of 'must see' lists for anyone passionate about the flora and fauna that we share the planet with. The history of the island has plenty to do with this.

When the sprawling, prehistoric super-continent of Gondwanaland began to break up, what is now known as Madagasikara to its residents was left alone in the sea, sealing the island's isolation. This meant that prehistoric plants and animals developed along their own path with little outside interference on isolated Madagascar. Wildlife holidays to the island are the best way to catch a glimpse of its unique creatures, including the island's most famous residents, the Lemurs.

Intrepid Lemurs

Although a type of primate that has evolved in the glorious isolation of the island, the Lemur is a later arrival. The island broke away from the rest of the land around 160 million years ago, but zoologists believe that Lemurs first appeared in continental Africa around 62 million years ago. The most popular hypothesis regarding how the animals made it to the island remains biological dispersion due to random rafting events; essentially this means that the animals were carried on matted reeds swept on ocean currents all the way to Madagascar. Wildlife holidays take a special interest in these creatures now that they no longer exist anywhere else on the planet.

Finding Lemurs Today

The creatures can be found in various regions around Madagascar. Wildlife holiday operators are probably the best people to enlist the help of, as they will have close contact with the local populations and know the very best places for spotting these incredible animals. Although the Lemurs are found in numerous places around the island, the local eco-system is carefully protected, and it is strongly discouraged for tourists to head off on their own in search of the famous local wildlife.

A Lemur for Every Occasion

Having had the run of the land to themselves for so many years, Lemurs have spread across the island filling the landscape in every available niche with cheerful abandon. They range in size from the large Indri (which can reach nearly 120 cm when fully stretched out), to the tiny Mouse Lemurs. Lemur-watching excursions take place in the island's top reserves, including Ranomafana, Andasibe and the spiny forests around Ifaty. One of the popular experiences for those visiting the Lemur populations is the famous 'dawn chorus' from the Indri population in Perinet, often described as 'whale-song in the trees'.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you're looking for a Madagascar wildlife holiday, Naturetrek specialise in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek bring over 25 years of experience to a Madagascar wildlife holiday and other spectacular regions on Earth.

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Prince George's residents take arrest of county executive Johnson personally - Washington Post

Given that Prince George's County residents had largely said their goodbyes to Jack B. Johnson, whose eight years as county executive end in three weeks, news of his arrest on criminal charges might have been shrugged off as yesterday's news.

But then out spilled the allegations in Johnson's arrest - almost $80,000 in cash collected from wife Leslie Johnson's bra, an $100,000 check flushed down the toilet of his Mitchellville home as FBI agents stood outside.

For many residents, the events Friday made the end of his term painful. Supporters had seen his survival through years of swirling rumors of corruption as a symbol of the county's scrappy quest for respect.

Even some detractors of Johnson (D) seemed deflated by the news and wondered: If he had to go down, did it have to be like this?

"People are taking this very personally," said Angelo Vaughn, 53, as he worked on the engine of his red Jeep Cherokee with two cousins in Hyattsville on Sunday. "My wife is taking this very personally, and she never met Jack Johnson. How could a person in such a vaunted position, weeks before the end of his term, get caught?"

"People are saying this is so embarrassing," he said.

Authorities say Johnson's arrest is part of a four-year federal investigation of allegations that developers have paid bribes in exchange for official favors from Prince George's officials.

Johnson and his wife, who was elected to the County Council in November, have been charged with destroying evidence and tampering with witnesses. U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein said Friday that more arrests and charges are likely, which has many developers and elected leaders worried about the scope of the investigation.

At a news conference after he was released from custody, Johnson said he is innocent and will be vindicated when the facts of the case come out.

All weekend, in front yards, in church parking lots, on street corners and in diners, Prince George's residents were talking more privately than publicly about Johnson's plight. Many spoke in hushed tones, and some asked not to be quoted.

"The people are hurt," Seat Pleasant Mayor Eugene W. Grant said. "They are also angry. They are angry at the investigators and the timing. They're angry at the people who put themselves in this position. We were the shining example of black intellect and black wealth in the country. We are the place where people in the country looked to. Now, the national reputation is based upon disgrace, ineffective leadership and corruption."

Louise Reeder, 71, lived in the county for more than 10 years before moving to the District but returns on Sundays to attend Kent Baptist Church in Hyattsville.

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