Madagascar-a jewel in biodiversity

Hi,

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) drew attention to Madagascar's natural wealth in biodiversity yesterday, 6/6/11. More than 600 new species discovered between 1999 and 2010.
The full article and pictures with the descriptions of their fantastic beauty can be found in the link: madagascar biodiversity:600 species discovered
" We as a species, the human race, we don't understand the complexities of the natural world around us,

yet we people are the one species with the most power to destroy or protect what's there" said Mr Richard Hughes, WWF's Madagascar's regional director.

These beautiful animals and plants which are unique to Madagascar which are already endangered because of deforestation and destruction of their habitats.

Panda galore

Read more about the panda-monium at Wolong National Nature Reserve, in Sichuan Province, south west China

All hese 16 pandas were bred at the breeding centre in southern China. They are extremely rare even in China where they are endemic. They are also difficult to bred as they are very slow breeders who give birth to only one or at most 2 cubs per pregnancy. Their diet is also very restrictive, feeding only on bamboo leaves and shoots.

Cheers