Preface, B Vaohita. Madagascar: microcontinent between Africa and Asia, R Paulian. The vegetation: an extraordinary diversity, J-L Guillaumet. Flora of the Malagasy southwest, R Rabesandratana. The invertebrates, P Griveaud. The amphibians, R M A Blommers-Schlosser & L H M Blommers. Reptiles, C P Blanc. The birds of Madagascar, C W Benson. Introduction to the mammals, R Paulian. The insectivores, J F Eisenberg & E Gould. The carnivores, R Albignac. Malagasy lemurs, A Jolly et al. The Malagasy and the chameleon: a traditional view of nature, G A Ramanantsoa. Malagasy economics and conservation: a tragedy without villains, A Jolly & R Jolly. Natural reserves and nature conservation in Madagascar, J Andriamampianina. Index.