Thank You, Madagascar

Jolly, Alison
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.

'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.

An eyewitness account of First World conservationists' attempts to rescue the extraordinary biodiversity of Madagascar, and the environment of its people.