A naturalist in Madagascar A record of observation, experiences, and impressions made during a period of over fifty years' intimate association with the natives and study of the animal & vegetable life of the island

"A Naturalist in Madagascar" by James Sibree is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work is a compendium of observations and experiences gathered during the author's extensive time spent living among the Malagasy people and studying the island's unique flora and fauna. Sibree’s intent is to present the beauty and interest of Madagascar’s natural history in an engaging and accessible manner. At the start of this work, the author contextualizes his love for the island of Madagascar, emphasizing that, unlike many traditional travel narratives, his focus lies not on thrilling conquests or hunts, but on the quiet appreciation of its remarkable biodiversity and cultural richness. He invites readers to join him in observing the island's wildlife, including its gentle lemurs and colorful birds, as well as to explore the customs, traditions, and legends of its native people. Through his reflections on arriving in Tamatave and the challenges of traversing Madagascar's terrain, he establishes the groundwork for what promises to be a fascinating exploration of the unique ecosystem and vibrant culture found within this island. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Sibree (1836–1929) was an English missionary in Madagascar with an interest in the natural history and cultural history of the island. He was a contemporary of the French naturalist Alfred Grandidier and wrote detailed books about the flora and fauna of Madagascar, the country's general history, and the mission history on the island. He also helped revise the Malagasy Bible and wrote several works in the Malagasy language. He was a vocal advocate of Malagasy independence prior to the French invasion of Madagascar in 1895. Sibree also designed and helped build almost 100 new mission buildings and 50 churches in Madagascar. He was a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and earned an honorary degree from the University of St Andrews. Swiss zoologist Charles Immanuel Forsyth Major named Sibree's dwarf lemur after him in 1896.