Known for species such as its large hissing cockroach, Madagascar's unusual wildlife includes dozens of species of lemurs, ancient primates that are distant relations of humans. Madagascar also has dozens of colorful species of chameleons.

The Indian Ocean island, the world's fourth largest, is home to some 10,000 endemic plant species, 316 endemic reptile species and 109 species of birds found nowhere else in the world.

President Marc Ravalomanana said his government would increase the amount of protected area on the island to 15 million acres from 4.2 million.

"In five years we'll do it," he told journalists at the 5th World Parks Congress in Durban, South Africa. Diplomatic sources said the plan would involve about $150 million of donor funds.

Ravalomanana also said the government hoped to plow funds from an expected growth in ecotourism back into conservation.

"This historic decision is a gift to the Earth that clearly signals Madagascar's commitment to saving its unique and spectacular wildlife and habitats," said Claude Martin, director general of the World Wide Fund for Nature.

The island has only been inhabited by humans for around 2,000 years but the toll from man's activities has been huge.

Conservationists estimate the country's forests have shrunk to 9,000,000 acres from 50 million, felled by the timber industry and growing and poor rural communities.

Many of Madagascar's lemur species are on the brink of extinction and many reserves are too small to sustain a large variety of animals. Others are poorly protected and suffer from human encroachment.

The 10-day parks congress, organized by the World Conservation Union, will end Wednesday with the adoption of a Durban Accord outlining broad goals for the preservation of the planet's natural heritage.