Thank You, Madagascar

'An enchanting book...poignant and passionate.'
Geographical

'A captivating and absorbing account.'
Sir David Attenborough

Madagascar is one of the world's natural jewels, with over ninety per cent of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Few people knew it better than the pioneering primatologist and conservationist, Alison Jolly. Thank You, Madagascar is her eyewitness account of the extraordinary biodiversity of the island, and the environment of its people.

At the book's heart is a conflict between three different views of nature. Is the extraordinary forest treasure-house of Madagascar a heritage for the entire world? Is it a legacy of the forest dwellers' ancestors, bequeathed to serve the needs of their living descendants? Or is it an economic resource to be pillaged for short-term gain and to be preserved only to deliver benefits for those with political power?

Exploring and questioning these different views, this is a beautifully written diary and a tribute to Madagascar.

Autorentext

Alison Jolly (May 9, 1937-February 6, 2014) was a primatologist known for her studies of lemur biology. She wrote for both popular and scientific audiences and conducted extensive fieldwork on lemurs in Madagascar, primarily at the Berenty Reserve, a small private reserve of gallery forest set in the semi-arid spiny desert area in the far south of Madagascar.

Zusammenfassung
'An enchanting book poignant and passionate.'Geographical'A captivating and absorbing account.'Sir David AttenboroughMadagascar is one of the world's natural jewels, with over ninety per cent of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Few people knew it better than the pioneering primatologist and conservationist, Alison Jolly. Thank You, Madagascar is her eyewitness account of the extraordinary biodiversity of the island, and the environment of its people.At the book's heart is a conflict between three different views of nature. Is the extraordinary forest treasure-house of Madagascar a heritage for the entire world? Is it a legacy of the forest dwellers' ancestors, bequeathed to serve the needs of their living descendants? Or is it an economic resource to be pillaged for short-term gain and to be preserved only to deliver benefits for those with political power?Exploring and questioning these different views, this is a beautifully written diary and a tribute to Madagascar.

Inhalt

Foreword - Hilary Bradt
Introduction: My Adventurous and Astonishing Mother - Margaretta Jolly
Chronology of events
Dramatis Personae
Map of Madagascar

1. 'Our country is committing suicide'

   Part I: Villages

2. Dancing in the Rainforest
3. Burning Baobabs, Death of Children
4. David Attenborough, Madame Berthe's Mouse Lemur, and School Among the Baobabs
5. Eleanor and the Aye-Ayes Part II: Politics
6. Where Indri Sing
7. Napoleon Versus the Zoos
8. The Bank Corrals the Donors
9. Dishing out the Dough
10. Our Cash Killed Bedo

11. The Bank Goes to the Forest

    Part III: Environment and Development

12. Golden Bamboo Lemurs of Ranomafana
13. Patricia Walked the Boundaries
14. The Village of the Fig Tree
15. Development Meltdown
16. Real Life and DreamWorks
17. President Ratsiraka

18. Madame Berthe was Dancing

    Part IV: Weather

19. Famine in the South
20. Lemurs Coping
21. Scientists, People, Lemurs: Berenty, Bezà Mahafaly and Tsimanampetsotsa

22. Climate Change

    Part V: Money

23. Durban Vision; Rosewood Massacre
24. The New Mines

25. Where are We Now?

    References
    Photographic credits
    Index