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Zoo > Mammals > Madagascar 5-FRANCS (KM5)
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Reverse
Reverse 
MADAGASCAR ZEBU 
  • Reverse
    Reverse
  • Obverse
    Obverse
Country: Madagascar
Area: Africa
Animal Class: Mammals

The Madagascar Zebu is an indigenous cattle breed in Madagascar with distinctive lyre-shaped horns. This breed was used in the development of another breed in Madagascar -- the Renitelo -- which is almost extinct on the island. The Madagascar Zebu is a tri-purpose cow, used for milk, meat, and work. This coin was issued one year only, while Madagascar was a French colony.

Composition: Aluminum
Approx. Size: 31.5mm

Country
Madagascar
Area: Africa
Coins: 3
loc_madagascar.jpgThe main island of Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. It is said to be home to 5% of the world's plant and animal species, 80% of which are unique to Madagascar (including the lemur family). People from south-east Asia, Africa, Arabia, and India began populating the island about 2,000 years ago. Through the Middle Ages (c. 300 to 1500 CE), various chiefdoms around the island were strengthened by trade with the island's Indian Ocean neighbours. By the 1790s the Merina ethnic group controlled the majority of the island, and in 1817 the Merina ruler established a treaty with the British Governor of Mauritius to abolish slavery. Britain went on to provide finanical and military aid, and remained a strong influence until Madagascar became a French protectorate in 1885. A decade later France established absolute control with military force. During World War II the island was strategically important, and was occupied by Britain in 1942 to prevent Japan from moving in. The following year it was returned to the French, and in 1947 a bloody revolt against French rule broke out among the eastern tribes. The revolt was suppressed and reforms were made after which Madagascar moved peacefully toward independence. In 1958, the Malagasy Republic was established as an autonomous state within the French Community, and full independence followed in 1960. In 1975, the name was changed to the Republic of Madagascar. Because of the island's unique mix of flora and fauna, some ecologists refer to it as the eighth continent.

Madagascar on MapQuest | Madagascar on Wikipedia