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The Sloth Lemur's Song: Madagascar from the Deep Past to the Uncertain Present
A moving account of Madagascar told by a researcher who has spent over fifty years investigating the mysteries of this remarkable island.
Madagascar is a place of change. A biodiversity hotspot and the fourth largest island on the planet, it has been home to a spectacular parade of animals, from giant flightless birds and giant tortoises on the ground to agile lemurs leaping through the treetops. Some species live on; many have vanished in the distant or recent past. Over vast stretches of time, Madagascar’s forests have expanded and contracted in response to shifting climates, and the hand of people is clear in changes during the last thousand years or so. Today, Madagascar is a microcosm of global trends. What happens there in the decades ahead can, perhaps, suggest ways to help turn the tide on the environmental crisis now sweeping the world.
The Sloth Lemur’s Song is a far-reaching account of Madagascar’s past and present, led by an expert guide who has immersed herself in research and conservation activities with village communities on the island for nearly fifty years. Alison Richard accompanies the reader on a journey through space and time—from Madagascar’s ancient origins as a landlocked region of Gondwana and its emergence as an island to the modern-day developments that make the survival of its array of plants and animals increasingly uncertain. Weaving together scientific evidence with Richard’s own experiences and exploring the power of stories to shape our understanding of events, this book captures the magic as well as the tensions that swirl around this island nation.
Madagascar is a place of change. A biodiversity hotspot and the fourth largest island on the planet, it has been home to a spectacular parade of animals, from giant flightless birds and giant tortoises on the ground to agile lemurs leaping through the treetops. Some species live on; many have vanished in the distant or recent past. Over vast stretches of time, Madagascar’s forests have expanded and contracted in response to shifting climates, and the hand of people is clear in changes during the last thousand years or so. Today, Madagascar is a microcosm of global trends. What happens there in the decades ahead can, perhaps, suggest ways to help turn the tide on the environmental crisis now sweeping the world.
The Sloth Lemur’s Song is a far-reaching account of Madagascar’s past and present, led by an expert guide who has immersed herself in research and conservation activities with village communities on the island for nearly fifty years. Alison Richard accompanies the reader on a journey through space and time—from Madagascar’s ancient origins as a landlocked region of Gondwana and its emergence as an island to the modern-day developments that make the survival of its array of plants and animals increasingly uncertain. Weaving together scientific evidence with Richard’s own experiences and exploring the power of stories to shape our understanding of events, this book captures the magic as well as the tensions that swirl around this island nation.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published August 4, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 31, 2022
Despite the title, this is not a book about the sloth lemur's song (as Alison Richard admits, we don't even know if this extinct animal did sing), but rather a combination of a story of a personal love for Madagascar with a chronological trip through Madagascar's geological and biological history and prehistory.
What shines through here is Richard's deep passion for Madagascar and the book really comes alive when she relates personal experiences. Notable, for example, was the description of a walk involving passing through a location crammed with leeches. We are told that 'By the thousand, they looked like a waving lawn' and a colleague 'pulled 80 leeches off one leg and then stopped counting'.
There is lots of good stuff in here, but some parts of the content, notably when dealing with areas outside Richard's own field (for example geology and the history of grasses) didn't truly engage the reader. I also found the structure haphazard - I'm not sure the format of following this huge island (significantly bigger than France, which surprised me) through the millennia was really the best way to approach Richard's enthusiasm for its wildlife and lemurs in particular.
There were a few other issues. Richard has, perhaps, an exaggerated idea of other people's interest in and knowledge of Madagascar over and above the animated films of that name - she comments 'Madagascar lives in the public’s imagination as, at once a treasure of nature and an environmental disaster’ - nope, most know very little about it. I also got quite confused because Richard, apparently randomly, refers to animals by their English, Latin and Malagasy names - so, for instance, I had to plough back through the book to remind myself that a sifaka was a white lemur.
One of the inevitable themes here is environmentalism and climate change. It's really refreshing that with her in-depth knowledge, Richard can show how things are far more complex than the conventional narrative of thoughtless local people destroying the natural environment as they cut down forest. On the other hand, I think she could have said more about the uncomfortable tension that arises from academics spending their life flying around the world to conferences and work sites while simultaneously warning of the dangers of climate change - it's worth at least thinking if all such research should be undertaken by locals who don't need to fly to do it.
Overall, definitely an interesting book (I'm with the majority knowing very little about Madagascar before reading it), but it could have done with better structuring and a more interesting balance of content.
What shines through here is Richard's deep passion for Madagascar and the book really comes alive when she relates personal experiences. Notable, for example, was the description of a walk involving passing through a location crammed with leeches. We are told that 'By the thousand, they looked like a waving lawn' and a colleague 'pulled 80 leeches off one leg and then stopped counting'.
There is lots of good stuff in here, but some parts of the content, notably when dealing with areas outside Richard's own field (for example geology and the history of grasses) didn't truly engage the reader. I also found the structure haphazard - I'm not sure the format of following this huge island (significantly bigger than France, which surprised me) through the millennia was really the best way to approach Richard's enthusiasm for its wildlife and lemurs in particular.
There were a few other issues. Richard has, perhaps, an exaggerated idea of other people's interest in and knowledge of Madagascar over and above the animated films of that name - she comments 'Madagascar lives in the public’s imagination as, at once a treasure of nature and an environmental disaster’ - nope, most know very little about it. I also got quite confused because Richard, apparently randomly, refers to animals by their English, Latin and Malagasy names - so, for instance, I had to plough back through the book to remind myself that a sifaka was a white lemur.
One of the inevitable themes here is environmentalism and climate change. It's really refreshing that with her in-depth knowledge, Richard can show how things are far more complex than the conventional narrative of thoughtless local people destroying the natural environment as they cut down forest. On the other hand, I think she could have said more about the uncomfortable tension that arises from academics spending their life flying around the world to conferences and work sites while simultaneously warning of the dangers of climate change - it's worth at least thinking if all such research should be undertaken by locals who don't need to fly to do it.
Overall, definitely an interesting book (I'm with the majority knowing very little about Madagascar before reading it), but it could have done with better structuring and a more interesting balance of content.
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August 18, 2022natural history of Madagascar + interesting tidbits and anecdotes from the author's time as a researcher/explorer there
May 24, 2022
A revelatory book, The Sloth Lemur's Song is a natural history of Madagascar in the broadest sense of the word and a passionate plea against simplistic conservation narratives. Read my full review at https://inquisitivebiologist.com/2022...
December 19, 2022
There is nowhere else on this planet that is like Madagascar. Separated from the continent of Africa and the sub-continent of India millions of years ago, the flora and fauna that evolved there, is unique. They have had enormous tortoises, and giant flightless birds in the past and the current animals that live there are equally strange. We are frequent visitors to Jersey and I always love seeing the lemurs that they have at the zoo there, especially the aye-aye.
But how did it get to the point? This is the subject of this book and Alison Richard will take us back aeons in time to describe the geology behind the creation of this place and then onto how the creatures and plants that ended up there evolved in their own unique way to solve the problems of being on that part of the planet at that particular time.
Humans were relatively late arrivals on this island, the first footprints dating back to a mere 10,00 years ago. There are very few sites of these ancient humans, but it is through more will be discovered now the experts know what they are looking for. People arrived from Africa and from across the Indian ocean. They had a small impact, to begin with, but that has changed as the island has reached the modern age.
I thought that this was an interesting book. To call this well-researched would be an understatement, Richard has been going there since the early 1970s and knows it inside out. The place is an anomaly in so many ways and Richard does a great job of conveying just how unusual almost everything is there. It is not written in dry academic tones, rather the prose is very readable and accessible to the general reader. If you want to know about the long history of the fascinating place, this is a good place to start. 3.5 stars
But how did it get to the point? This is the subject of this book and Alison Richard will take us back aeons in time to describe the geology behind the creation of this place and then onto how the creatures and plants that ended up there evolved in their own unique way to solve the problems of being on that part of the planet at that particular time.
Humans were relatively late arrivals on this island, the first footprints dating back to a mere 10,00 years ago. There are very few sites of these ancient humans, but it is through more will be discovered now the experts know what they are looking for. People arrived from Africa and from across the Indian ocean. They had a small impact, to begin with, but that has changed as the island has reached the modern age.
I thought that this was an interesting book. To call this well-researched would be an understatement, Richard has been going there since the early 1970s and knows it inside out. The place is an anomaly in so many ways and Richard does a great job of conveying just how unusual almost everything is there. It is not written in dry academic tones, rather the prose is very readable and accessible to the general reader. If you want to know about the long history of the fascinating place, this is a good place to start. 3.5 stars
August 25, 2022
A really fascinating and insightful guide to the natural history and development of Madagascar; spanning a range of topics such as geology, biology, geography and anthropology. I struggled with the structure and various accounts throughout the book at times, but this is by far the freshest and most realistic book on conserving the natural world, whilst also listening and regarding human livelihoods, particularly native peoples and their views on the environment. The academic aspects were very well researched and Richard made sure to debunk popular misconceptions about Madagascar as a country throughout its history. It’s always upsetting reading about the danger many species are facing, particularly on such a beautiful island, but Alison Richard gives hopeful insights into how initiatives are being planned and faring to conserve Madagascars’s wildlife.
“For landscapes to be truly sustainable they must not only be ecologically diverse and economically viable, but also culturally meaningful.”
“For landscapes to be truly sustainable they must not only be ecologically diverse and economically viable, but also culturally meaningful.”
September 24, 2025
The perfect book to learn more about the biological history of Madagascar.
I've been there in 2018 and returned home changed.
That island, that people and the amazing nature!
Since then I wanted to read about Madagascar but couldn't find a book that looked interesting to me. "The Sloth Lemur's Song" is the perfect book. I just loved it!
I've been there in 2018 and returned home changed.
That island, that people and the amazing nature!
Since then I wanted to read about Madagascar but couldn't find a book that looked interesting to me. "The Sloth Lemur's Song" is the perfect book. I just loved it!
May 9, 2022
A fascinating exploration of the natural history, ecology and culture of Madagascar, all enlivened by personal experience (the author’s plus that of both Malagasy and expat researchers). She convincingly debunks the widespread supposition that it’s short sighted islanders who threaten the unique flora and fauna of the island. A more complex picture emerges.
This is probably not the best starting point for those unfamiliar with Madagascar - nor for those looking for clues about the song of the sloth lemur, despite the title - but, for anyone who treasures the unique wonders of this ‘eighth continent’, Richard’s book offers much to think about, and some fragile grounds for hope.
This is probably not the best starting point for those unfamiliar with Madagascar - nor for those looking for clues about the song of the sloth lemur, despite the title - but, for anyone who treasures the unique wonders of this ‘eighth continent’, Richard’s book offers much to think about, and some fragile grounds for hope.
October 2, 2023
An enjoyable, relatable, and knowledge look at Madagascar's natural history and evolution from a researcher who has spent her career working in this remarkable and incredible country. Written with passion and highly readable, this is a wonderful look at an unique island and its inhabitants.
July 20, 2023
If you like wild animals, natural history, Darwin and discussions of evolution, you will like this book as it highlights how the theory of evolution actually works on the ground in Madagascar. Like "The Song of the Dodo", "The Sloth Lemur's Song" is a metaphor for the haunting silence we now hear after animals go extinct. The metaphor of life gone silent reminds us of what is at stake as species continue to disappear at our hand.
September 27, 2023
Alison Richard certainly knows her stuff, after spending many decades learning all she can about Madagascar this book shows just how vast her knowledge is on the land, it’s history and geography, and the people, fauna and animals that inhabit the land. Unfortunately for me my knowledge was close to zero, and most of this book was way over my head. I learnt a fair bit about super continents of the past, methods of how plants and animals first made it over to the island and that the island is way bigger than I assumed. But the ratio of what I learnt to what I didn’t understand was tilted way more in one direction.
There seem to be two voices in this book, the first is a laid back voice telling stories about the people and her own experiences, I enjoyed reading about the method a scientist used to strip flesh from an animal carcass and when she talked about walking and exploring everything became more animated and drew in this reader. The second voice though was very academic, it became dry when stating facts and figures of which I understood nothing, in person this may work but on the page it wasn’t for me, an example was when talking about the ways plants take in carbon dioxide, C3 and C4 were mentioned so many times on the page I was lost, I tried multiple times to get it but had to move on in the end.
There are lots of illustrations, maps, photos and tables all of which I enjoyed and these all show just how impeccable the research was. The book is an interesting read but for the casual reader it is rather heavy going, I reckon if you are doing research on Madagascar then this is sure to be your bible for the work.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2023...
There seem to be two voices in this book, the first is a laid back voice telling stories about the people and her own experiences, I enjoyed reading about the method a scientist used to strip flesh from an animal carcass and when she talked about walking and exploring everything became more animated and drew in this reader. The second voice though was very academic, it became dry when stating facts and figures of which I understood nothing, in person this may work but on the page it wasn’t for me, an example was when talking about the ways plants take in carbon dioxide, C3 and C4 were mentioned so many times on the page I was lost, I tried multiple times to get it but had to move on in the end.
There are lots of illustrations, maps, photos and tables all of which I enjoyed and these all show just how impeccable the research was. The book is an interesting read but for the casual reader it is rather heavy going, I reckon if you are doing research on Madagascar then this is sure to be your bible for the work.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2023...
May 16, 2023
I was a little disappointed by the book, unfolding as is does as more of a memoir than a treatise on the evolution of vertebrate life on Madagascar.
Professor Richard has, of course, contributed a great deal in her academic life and I believe made significant advances during her time as vice chancellor of Cambridge University, also having sat on innumerable committees both in Cambridge and Yale.
She reports that she has been working in Madagascar for 50 years so as I dived into this book I was looking forward to learning more of her field research. Yet she doesn't really write like a field ecologist with deep knowledge of the biology of the animals she describes. For example, her mention of the song of the crane really stopped me in my tracks. Surely cranes don't sing? And is there much about the extinct sloth lemur and its possible song? The wildlife celebrities too don't get much space: there is a drawing of the mighty extinct frog beelzebufo but no information about it, nor does it appear in the index. Indeed I found the index fairly unhelpful and difficult to navigate. In addition (and another reviewer picked this up app) Richard refers to animals by their English, Latin and Malagasy names which can be confusing or have you leafing back and forward trying to remember which is what.
I did also find myself questioning some of her statements Richard makes about lemurs and the history of the Great Red Island; some detailed aspects of lemur behaviour she mentioned puzzled me.
I felt I learned much more from Alison Jolly's memoir, 'Thank you, Madagascar'.
Professor Richard has, of course, contributed a great deal in her academic life and I believe made significant advances during her time as vice chancellor of Cambridge University, also having sat on innumerable committees both in Cambridge and Yale.
She reports that she has been working in Madagascar for 50 years so as I dived into this book I was looking forward to learning more of her field research. Yet she doesn't really write like a field ecologist with deep knowledge of the biology of the animals she describes. For example, her mention of the song of the crane really stopped me in my tracks. Surely cranes don't sing? And is there much about the extinct sloth lemur and its possible song? The wildlife celebrities too don't get much space: there is a drawing of the mighty extinct frog beelzebufo but no information about it, nor does it appear in the index. Indeed I found the index fairly unhelpful and difficult to navigate. In addition (and another reviewer picked this up app) Richard refers to animals by their English, Latin and Malagasy names which can be confusing or have you leafing back and forward trying to remember which is what.
I did also find myself questioning some of her statements Richard makes about lemurs and the history of the Great Red Island; some detailed aspects of lemur behaviour she mentioned puzzled me.
I felt I learned much more from Alison Jolly's memoir, 'Thank you, Madagascar'.
May 22, 2024
The Sloth Lemur's Song tells the story of Madagascar though the lens of the natural sciences—archeology, climatology and paleobotany, just to name a few. Richland takes us on a ride from the beginning of time on earth when the land that became Madagascar was embedded in the supercontinent Pangaea to the present day where the biodiversity of the island hangs in the balance. Along the way she tells the story of the now extinct megafauna such as the Elephant Bird that would've dwarfed the modern day Ostrich; she touches on how the human hand has shaped the landscape of present day Madagascar (although, the extent to which may be overstated, she contends); and she conveys a genuine love of the animals, plants and people that she encountered there over her numerous travels and expeditions. At once a travelog, scientific exploration and elegy to the disappearing biodiversity due to the repercussions of climate change, Richland's book is the perfect primer for anyone wanting to learn more about Madagascar.
July 21, 2024
I admire the author’s passion for Madagascar, which is evident throughout the entire book. My question, though, is who is this book for? For someone with no great knowledge of Madagascar coming in, I felt very lost by the unclear structure of the book. The title led me to believe this would be a more linear, chronological format, but it was a confusing topical arrangement. Also, there were so many different fields of study mentioned, it wasn’t always clear what the author’s area of expertise was. In truth, the audiobook had me feeling like a Peanuts character listening to the teacher. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if it was solely her memoir about her own experiences. Again, I appreciate her years of study and her passion for the country. But I feel like I know as little about Madagascar as when I began.
June 19, 2022
Complex and powerful book about the central importance of stories, even in evidence based fields of history and biodiversity conservation. Madagascar is not a simple place and the narrative introduces the reader to many many animals, plants, places, people, and research and conservation projects. The thoughtful kindness of the narrator brings all the disparate bits from so many displines together into a hopeful and forward looking ending. Do not be deceived by the accessible style of the writing: this is also a primary cutting edge compilation of modern work. A must read for anyone seriously interested in biodiversity conservation in Madagascar.
July 28, 2023
I learned so much about Madagascar - the natural, unpolitical version except to question the impact of people on a pristine place. Alison Richard is a good story teller beginning with an overview of the island nation and then going into detail chapter by chapter of flora and fauna and especially her love of lemurs. I so appreciate her efforts and clarifications that will help anyone visiting that country to have an advance knowledge of what to expect and what there is to learn about.
May 11, 2023
This was a book that was really interesting at its best, and slightly dull at its worst - in my opinion! I found a fair few of the chapters a bit of a slog to get through, but really enjoyed the chapters about past wildlife and how animals came to Madagascar in the first place - but the more science-dense chapters weren't written in an accessible enough way for me.
March 10, 2023
An interesting natural history of Madagascar. I had hoped for more about lemurs ( the author's specialist subject) but the book is more about the ecological diversity and challenges of the island. This is significant and unique and there is reference to the effects of climate change.
August 16, 2023
More about the history of the island Madagascar, this book discusses how animals and people first arrived there, how some survived or still became extinct, the animals that remain and the farming practices that have removed some of the forests.
September 16, 2022
A splendid biography of place; exceptionally wide-ranging, convincing, but delightfully conversational.
August 14, 2023
This was a great book about the evolutionary story of Madagascar. I highly recommend it
January 4, 2026
Interesting account of Madagascar, it's natural history and how this has been influenced by human activity.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews