This exciting ecology class will expose students to the unusual and fascinating wildlife on the island of Madagascar. This "hotspot" of biodiversity is home to unique animals and serves as an excellent example of island ecology.

Topics covered include (minor changes may occur based on student interest):
1) Prehistoric Madagascar and how isolation affected evolution
2) What does it mean to be 'endemic'? How does that affect the ecology of a species?
3) Case studies of several Madagascan species: fossas, silky sifakas, Brookesia micra (the world's smallest chameleon), the Madagascan hissing cockroach, the giraffe weevil, and more!
4) Major conservation issues facing Madagascar with a focus on illegal logging

This class will be an interactive lecture using slides, photos, and videos, as well as discussions throughout the class.