Destination: Madagascar
Expedition: The Baobab is one of the world’s oldest giant trees and is the most iconic and valuable plant species in Madagascar. Generating income through tourism, nutrition and medicine through its fruit and natural water storage ability, the Baobab provides natural resources for local people. Habitat loss highly threatens this legendary tree, as well as the extinction of its large animal seed — dispersers such as giant lemurs, giant tortoises, and elephant - birds that roamed this island nation 1,000 years ago. Dr. Seheno Andriantsaralaza, Madagascar manager at the Lemur Conservation Network, will lead a new study into seed dispersal and provide sustainable solutions of this essential resource to benefit future generations in one of the poorest nations in the world
The Explorers Club Discovery Expedition Grant
The Explorers Club, a non-profit world leader in exploration, and Discovery Channel have partnered to create an Explorers Club Discovery Expedition Grant program to further advance significant exploration and scientific discovery. Meet the Grantees, the next frontier of explorers that have been awarded a grant to fund their expeditions.
The Baobab Trees of Madagascar 5 Photos
For Arbor Day, learn about one of the world’s oldest giant trees and is the most iconic and valuable plant species in Madagascar — The Baobab Tree.