Latest news with #Malagasy
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
Island creature — with vibrant orange belly — is a new species in Madagascar
Under the cover of darkness, a group of researchers searched the northern forests of Madagascar for a small lizard. Moving between burnt trees in a densely packed forest, they noticed the little animals 'sleeping … on twigs or small branches,' and stopped for a closer look. The animals belong to a genus of geckos called Lygodactylus, or dwarf geckos, and were found to belong to species new to science, according to a study published July 23 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa. Researchers found one of these new species in Baie De Baly National Park, a peninsula on Madagascar's northwestern coast, according to the study. The tail of the gecko is slightly longer than the rest of the body — 1.1 inches long compared to a body length of 1 inch – accounting for half of the animal's total size, researchers said. The species, named Lygodactylus arnei, can be distinguished from other dwarf geckos by the vibrant orange color on the bottom of its tail, stretching to its belly and sometimes its chest, according to the study. The rest of its underside is white, researchers said, while its back is slightly blue-gray in color with bands of white and brown coloring. Overall, the gecko is a bit wider than other species and has 'relatively large' eyes for its head, according to the study. 'The species name is a patronym for the wildlife photographer and gecko specialist Arne Hartig, in recognition for his contributions to the exploration of Madagascar's gecko fauna and the important support he provided for this study by making photos and information from his previous Namoroka expeditions available,' researchers said. The Arne Hartig dwarf gecko is arboreal, meaning it spends most of its life in trees, in a generally dry area, according to the study. In Baie de Baly National Park, a large number of trees were partially burnt about a year before the new species was found, according to the study, but while the smaller trees were dead and the leaf litter was scorched, many of the larger trees appeared in good condition. The new species was also found in two other regions of Madagascar, both within about 30 miles of the national park, researchers said. 'In the Tsiombikibo Forest, L. arnei has been found in a forested area where trees are relatively small and densely implanted, and where a relatively thin layer of leaf litter mostly rests on a bed of almost pure white sand,' researchers said. 'In Namoroka, this species has been more frequently found on tree trunks – or at their base, close to the leaf litter – growing in the border of the Tsingy karstic formation.' The 'tsingys' refers to an area of northwestern Madagascar covered with towering rock formations that look like shards of stone placed vertically in the ground. The name translates to 'where one cannot walk barefoot' in Malagasy, and the region provides a home to a high diversity of lizards, including other dwarf geckos. The Arne Hartig dwarf gecko was one of three new species found during the same 2023 expedition included in the study. The research team included Miguel Vences, Cecilia Herrmann, Malte Multzsch, Sven Gippner, Delina Razafimanafo, Ny Ando Rahagalala, Sandratra Rakotomanga, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Frank Glaw and Aurélien Miralles.
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Madagascar team profile
Madagascar, affectionately known as the Barea, returns to the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) with high expectations following their remarkable debut in 2022. Guided by the tactical expertise of Romuald Rakotondrabe, the Barea aim to build on their bronze medal achievement and take another step towards continental glory. With a blend of youthful talent and a fast, technical playing style, the Malagasy are ready to leave their mark once again on Africa's premier domestic-league player tournament. Factfile Nickname : The Barea : The Barea Participations : 2 (2022, 2024) : 2 (2022, 2024) Best Performance: Third place (2022) How They Qualified Madagascar secured their spot at CHAN 2024 with a confident display against Eswatini. A 2-0 home victory in the first leg set the tone, and despite a narrow 1-0 loss in the return leg, the Barea advanced on aggregate to book their place in East Africa. Players to Watch John Christiano Razafimanana (Forward, Ajesaia Fenohasina):The 23-year-old forward was instrumental in Madagascar's qualification campaign, scoring in the crucial first-leg victory over Eswatini. Known for his blistering speed, positional awareness, and clinical finishing, Razafimanana is a constant threat to opposing defenses. His tireless pressing and ability to capitalize on defensive lapses make him a key player in the Barea's attacking arsenal. Nina Razakanirina (Midfielder, Fosa Juniors): A midfield dynamo, Razakanirina is celebrated for his impeccable passing and ability to control the tempo of the game. His creativity and vision enable him to link defense and attack seamlessly, while his work rate ensures stability in the center of the pitch. Razakanirina will be pivotal in orchestrating Madagascar's dynamic play at CHAN 2024. Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe: Nicknamed "Rôro," Rakotondrabe is a master tactician whose philosophy emphasizes fluid, attacking football. He has transformed Madagascar into a cohesive unit capable of competing against Africa's best. His focus on technical precision, quick transitions, and offensive versatility has made the Barea a formidable force. Known for his adaptability, Rakotondrabe often employs a high-intensity pressing game that disrupts opponents' build-up play while maximizing his team's attacking opportunities. His tactical discipline and ability to nurture young talent have positioned him as one of the continent's emerging coaching minds. Under his guidance, Madagascar aims to surpass their third-place finish from 2022 and challenge for the ultimate prize.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
Peculiar new ‘dwarf' species found in towering cathedrals of rocks in Madagascar
In northwestern Madagascar, the landscape is defined by a forest of towering jagged limestone peaks called 'tsingys.' In Malagasy, the word translates to a place 'where one cannot walk barefoot.' But this terrain is no problem for a specialized dwarf creature that calls the karstic plateau home. Lygodactylus andavambato is a new 'peculiar' species of dwarf gecko recently discovered in the caves and narrow rock crevices of Tsingy de Namoroka National Park during a field expedition in 2023, according to a study published July 23 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa. Lygodactylus andavambato is unique for its relatively 'slender' build compared to the 'robust' appearance of other closely related species, researchers said. It has a distinct banding pattern on its tail and in life, their bodies have an 'intense' contrast of brown and yellow colors, researchers said. Including its tail, the new species is just over 2.5 inches long. Most of the specimens were 'collected on large and smooth whitish limestone walls, at eye-level, either at the entrances of caves or along relatively dark corridors of fresh air running right through the massif,' according to the study. Others, however, were found 'outside of the very heart of the Tsingy massif' in the neighboring savanna near clusters of rock slabs, the study said. This suggests the new dwarf gecko is not strictly a cave-dweller, but rather, a species that requires narrow rock crevices to shelter. Lygodactylus andavambato is one of three new dwarf gecko species discovered during the 2023 expeditions to the region. The research team included Miguel Vences, Cecilia Herrmann, Malte Multzsch, Sven Gippner, Delina Razafimanafo, Ny Ando Rahagalala, Sandratra Rakotomanga, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Frank Glaw and Aurélien Miralles.
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Beyond the beach: 5 places to visit on Nosy Be, Madagascar
Between cocktails on the beaches and diving with the fishes, these five outings reveal a deeper side of Madagascar's 'big island' By 1. HELL-VILLE MARKET Noisy, fragrant, and full of life, the central market in Hell-Ville is the island's sensory core. You'll find everything from pyramids of ylang-ylang blossoms and handwoven baskets to dried fish, jackfruit, vanilla pods and potent local rum. 2. SACRED TREE OF MAHATSINJO Located near the village of Mahatsinjo, this sprawling 200-year-old banyan tree isn't just massive — it's mystical. It was planted by the queen of the Sakalava tribe in 1836 and is believed to be the home of ancestral spirits. It is wrapped in colourful cloth and often scattered with offerings. Visitors are welcome but must remove their shoes and follow local customs. 3. AMPANGORINANA VILLAGE, NOSY KOMBA Just a 20-minute boat ride from Nosy Be, this tiny village on neighbouring Nosy Komba is known for its craft markets and resident black lemur population. It's a great spot to pick up embroidered tablecloths or wood carvings, and to take a leisurely forest walk along well-marked trails. Don't be surprised if a lemur jumps on your shoulder — they're curious, not shy. 4. DOMAINE DE FLORETTE DISTILLERY This ylang-ylang distillery and plantation is one of the few geared for visitors, with guided walks through the aromatic groves, insights into essential oil production and tastings of local infusions. Located in the hills above Hell-Ville, it offers a serene experience — especially when the trees are in bloom. Don't leave without a bottle of ylang-ylang oil or a bar of handmade soap. See . 5. MOUNT PASSOT Rising above the island's centre, Mount Passot is the best place to catch a Nosy Be sunset. The summit offers sweeping views of the surrounding crater lakes and archipelago, and interpretive signs provide insight into the island's volcanic past. It's also a sacred site for locals, and visitors are encouraged to observe customs such as removing hats or refraining from loud noise — a quiet reminder of the spiritual layer woven into everyday Malagasy life.
The South African
24-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Hunt reveals why he picked Chiefs over Pirates in 2020
Durban City head coach Gavin Hunt has revealed he had the opportunity to coach Orlando Pirates but chose Kaizer Chiefs instead. After Bidvest Wits was sold in 2020, the 60-year-old coach found himself without a job, but didn't spend much time at home as Amakhosi called. Before the sale, Wits was one of the top teams in the league, having won the league two years prior. Top stars such as Vincent Pule, Thabang Monare, Deon Hotto, Ben Motswari and Thulani Hlatshwayo were sold to the Buccaneers. Hunt revealed that Orlando Pirates were interested in his services around 2020 but chose to join Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs instead. After just one season, the former SuperSport United coach was given the boot with just a few matches remaining. 'I would have stayed there longer [if he joined Pirates] because my guys were there and the way Pirates play suited me more, you know,' Hunt said in a podcast. 'Ja, it was going to happen. Maybe I should have gone there, what a bad mistake, you know.' Hunt stated that he did not join Orlando Pirates because he needed a fresh start and wanted to rebuild a team. 'It wasn't about money or anything. At that time, I felt at Chiefs there was in a better rebuilding phase there and we could build another team.' In 2020, Kaizer Chiefs were banned from signing players for two transfer windows following a Fifa punishment in December over the signing of Malagasy player Andriamirado Aro Hasina Andrianamimanana. Hunt joined the club during that time and was unable to bring in new players. 'I was told that the transfer band would be lifted, hey said 'don't worry, we're going to build a new team' and i went 'that's what i want'. I felt that sometimes when your players are going to Pirates, i thought maybe a clean break…let me go and rebuild another team. I always like building my own team because then I know I'll be successful,' he said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
