More than 600.000 people live around Lake Alaotra, Madagascar’s largest sweet water lake. The surrounding reed and papyrus beds with their unique ecosystem provide a safe breeding area for fish and act as a natural filter to keep the waters clean. Unfortunately the marshy habitat is being threatened by destruction. The organisation "Madagascar Wildlife Conservation" has set itself the task of preventing further depletion.
The rare mountain gorillas actually live in only three conservation areas around the world and face the threat of extinction. The total global population count is fewer than 700 animals. Ironically, one of these three world's refuges is located in turbulent Congo. The existence of this species, known for its humanlike way of living in family groups, has been threatened by mountain farmers, poachers, and rebels. The Gorilla's Fund (www.gorilla-hilfsfonds.de) adopted the cause of these endangered animals. Park rangers take care of these great apes at Congo’s National Park “Virunga”.
