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The birds show a very high degree of endemism with several bird families endemic to Madagascar and the neighbouring Comoros Islands. Over 100 species out of a total of over 200 breeding species are endemic to Madagascar. There are few terrestrial migrants as Madagascar seems to be off the usual Palearctic/African flyway. A total of 44 species of global conservation concern occur in Madagascar.
49 species have a restricted range defined as covering less than 50 000 km2 and these species have been grouped by their shared distributions and habitats into five Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs): West Malagasy dry forests with 6 restricted range species; East Malagasy wet forests with 20 such species; East Malagasy wetlands with 7 such species; West Malagasy wetlands with 6 such species; and South Malagasy spiny forests with 10 such species. In addition, there are two secondary EBAs.
Madagascar can be divided into two biomes for the purposes of bird conservation, the West Malagasy biome with 24 biome restricted species and the East Malagasy biome with 45 such species. 76 of Madagascar’s endemic species and 33 endemic genera are found almost exclusively in forest.
Malagasy coastal habitats differ considerably between the east and the west of the island. The east has mostly sand beaches with little in the way of birdlife. The west is richer and more diverse with extensive mangroves, saltpans, coastal lagoons, estuaries, sandbars, sand beaches and offshore islands.
There are a remarkable 84 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) designated by BirdLife International in Madagascar. These IBAs occupy 52 797 km2 equivalent to 8.6% of the land area of Madagascar. 48 of the 84 sites do not have legal protection. Below is a review of the IBAs and their descriptions (BirdLife International (2018) Important Bird Areas factsheet on 19/03/2018):
| Site name | Site short description | Key biodiversity | |
| Cape Anorontany archipelago (Nosy Hara archipelago) | The site consists of 12 main islets, in three groups: (1) northern sandy islets: Nosy Foty (6 ha), Nosy Fasy (5 ha), Nosy Faty (1 ha) and Nosy Hao (10 ha); (2) northern rocky islets: Nosy Hara (115 ha), Nosy Vaha (1 ha), Nosy Lakandava (5 ha) and Nosy Anjombavola (30 ha); and (3) southern islets: Nosy Anambo (10 ha), Nosy Valiha (150 ha), Nosy Tanga (50 ha) and Nosy Manonoka (75 ha). The northern rocky islets are karstic and covered by a mixture of grassy vegetation and xerophilous shrubland including Pachypodium. The sandy islets are flat, covered by grass, Ipomoea mats and small Casuarina trees. The southern islets are more or less rocky, except Nosy Anambo, which is flat and sandy. The rocky islets are often covered by trees and palms such as Bismarckia. The islets are surrounded by coral reefs. Four other rocky islets north of Manonoka also support some breeding bird species. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. The site is home to two pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides: one pair on Nosy Tanga, next to Cape St Sébastien, and one pair on Nosy Hara in the centre of the archipelago. Significant numbers of terns, including Sterna caspia, S. dougallii, S. fuscata, S. bengalensis, Anous tenuirostris and A. stolidus, have been observed on Nosy Fasy, Nosy Foty, Nosy Faty and Nosy Valiha, not all of them breeding. In July 1997, on Nosy Fasy, about 600 pairs of S. bergii (with 50 young) and 2,000 pairs of S. fuscata were recorded, while on Nosy Foty there were 1,500 pairs of S. bergii (60% breeding, with c.300 young), 30 pairs of S. fuscata and 50 pairs of S. caspia (with young), and on Nosy Faty there was a flock of S. dougallii. Non-bird biodiversity: Marine turtles are present. | |
| Zone humide de la côte-est de Diego | The site is located 60 km south-east of Antsiranana. It is composed of two areas: the Ambolobozokely wetlands and the Manampaho archipelago. The lakes and mangroves of Ambolobozokely wetlands are located on the coast between Antsiranana and Iharana (Vohimar), about 45 km from Antsiranana. The villages of Ambolobozokely and Ambolobozobe are located respectively north and south of the site. The lakes include stretches of water partially covered by non-native Mimosa pudica and water-hyacinth Eichhornia. Most of these lakes are temporary. The levels of the others, including Lakes Ambondromifehy and Marofotsy, vary seasonally. The mangroves are dense and separated by stretches of seawater. They are little disturbed and include trees 3–5 m high on average. The waters immediately offshore are 0.7–1.5 m deep but may be 2.5 m deep at high tide. The islands of Tendro and Lowry are located in the far north and far south of this area. Manampaho archipelago includes the islands located between Irodo Bay and Andravina Bay, i.e. Manampaho, Korika, Ankao, Ratsy, Satrana, Vahala and Ambolonosy. Manampaho is surrounded by sand beaches and is covered by savanna, with scrub (1.5–2 m high), palms (e.g. Cocos nucifera) and mats of Ipomoea. Korika and Ambalanosy are mountainous islets, covered by savanna, with trees/bushes (5–8 m high). Satrana island is covered by coconut Cocos and Bismarckia palms. It is inhabited by fishermen with the result that there are no aquatic birds. Akomba, Manambiby and Ankao are the largest islands: they are inhabited and covered by savanna. Vahala is mountainous and uninhabited. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Twenty-nine species are known from the site, of which three are endemic to Madagascar. This is currently the only known site where Anas bernieri can be found on the east coast. Sterna fuscata breeds on Manampaho. Herons (Ardeidae) roost on Korika and Ambalanosy islets. | |
| Montagne d’Ambre National Park | The site, a massif of volcanic origin, lies c.20 km south-west of Antsiranana. It comprises a 30-km-long string of basalt peaks, oriented north–south, with steep-sided valleys. Many rivers rise on the massif, the main ones being the Sahinana, Saharenana and Andranomandevy. There are also a number of lakes: Petit Lac, Grand Lac, Lac Maudit and Lac Texier. The north-eastern part of the site is covered by extensive low- and mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forests, dominated by trees of Chrysophyllum, Canarium, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae and Leguminosae, while the western part is covered in dense, dry deciduous forest. In between these two areas, there are transition forests. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty-three species are known from the site, of which 41 are endemic to Madagascar. The level of local avian endemism is significant: Phyllastrephus zosterops fulvescens and Monticola (sharpei) erythronotus are restricted to the site (the latter being considered a separate species by some authorities). Tyto soumagnei, a species known from very few other sites, has also been recorded in the park. A pair of Haliaeetus vociferoides used to nest in the park, but no longer does so. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Phaner furcifer electromontis (VU), Eulemur coronatus (VU), E. fulvus sanfordi (VU), Lepilemur septentrionalis (VU), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivores: Galidia elegans dambrensis is locally endemic, Cryptoprocta ferox (VU), Eupleres goudotii (EN). | |
| Analamera Special Reserve | This reserve is located 80 km south of Antsiranana. The site is limited by the steep-edged Analamera plateau in the north, by the Iloky river in the south and by small tributaries of the Anivorano river in the west. The south-eastern limit is located 1 km from the littoral. Analamera is a karstic plateau stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Ankarana plateau. Its steep cliffs rise to 400 m in the east and 359 m in the west, and overlook the Andrevo and Iloky rivers. The plateau is divided by many small streams flowing towards the Irodo river in the north. The main river is the Bobakindro, which flows across the northern area of the plateau. Analamera is an important hydrological reservoir, which feeds the flooded Irodo plain where rice-fields are located. In the valleys and well-watered areas, the vegetation is composed of western dense deciduous dry forest, with a canopy 15–20 m high. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Fifty-seven species are known from the site, of which 27 are endemic to Madagascar. The reserve is one of the two sites known for Xenopirostris damii and one of the six sites known for Mesitornis variegata. These two species both seem to be present in reasonable numbers, but Haliaeetus vociferoides is probably only a vagrant from nearby coasts. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur coronatus (VU), E. fulvus sanfordi (VU), Lepilemur septentrionalis (VU), Propithecus diadema perrieri (CR), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Reptiles: Boa manditra (VU), B. madagascariensis (VU). | |
| Mitsio archipelago | The site is located 50 km north-east of Nosy Be and 30 km off the western Malagasy coast. Nosy Mitsio, located in the centre of the archipelago, is the largest island, being c.12 km long and up to 3 km wide. One peak rises to 206 m in the northern area and another rises to 130 m in the centre. Surrounding islets include, in the north, Nosy Ankarea and Nosy Lava, and in the south, Nosy Antaly, Nosy Tsitampevina, Nosy Tsarabanjina, Nosy Toloho, and the Quatre Frères islets. The Quatre Frères (Nosy Beangovo, Nosy Betalinjona, Nosy Antsoha and Nosy Betanihazo) are rocky contiguous domes, respectively 63 m, 76 m, 51 m and 88 m high. They are partly covered by savanna, especially on the summits. Nosy Lava is an elongated reef, 3.5 km long and 1.5 km wide, and covered by vegetation. It rises to 160 m. A beach, which floods at high tide, stretches along the northern part of this island. Nosy Toloho is covered by dense dry forest (up to 12–14 m high). | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Ten species are known from the site, of which one is endemic to Madagascar. The site is home to three breeding pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides (on the Quatre Frères, Nosy Toloho and Nosy Lava). The Quatre Frères are also home to colonies of Fregata ariel and F. minor—the only site known in Madagascar where Fregata species breed—including c.50–100 pairs nesting on one of the islets. Some five pairs of Phaethon lepturus and 300–500 breeding individuals of Sula leucogaster have also been observed—the latter species has increased significantly since the 1970s. A pair of Falco peregrinus has been recorded on one of the islands. Non-bird biodiversity: Sirenian: Dugong dugon (VU). | |
| Ankarana National Park | Ankarana is a massif of Jurassic limestone overlying a basaltic plain. The massif is highly eroded and karstic (‘tsingy’), and is divided by deep, northward-running canyons, penetrated by caves. Several underground rivers, the most important of which are the Ankarana, Mananjeba and Besaboba, flow through these caves in an east–west direction (into Ambavanankarana Bay), creating a very complex drainage system. During the dry season, the massif is an important hydrological reservoir for neighbouring people and their domestic animals. There is a large variety of microhabitats. Flat limestone areas are covered by dense, dry deciduous forest, dominated by Leguminosae and Burseraceae. The basalt floor of the canyons, where little water can infiltrate, allows the presence of dense, humid evergreen forest, similar in structure to such forest in eastern Madagascar, and dominated by Dalbergia, Canarium, Ficus, Zanthoxylum, palms and Pandanaceae. Degraded areas contain bamboo Olyra. Xerophytes such as Adenia, Aloe, Pachypodium and Noronhia cover the tsingy. The surroundings of the massif are covered by typical western savanna with Bismarckia palms. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Ninety-four species are known from the site, of which 34 are endemic to Madagascar. The site is important for both forest birds and waterbirds. Forest birds occur in the ‘Foresters Canyon’ and the ‘Grand Canyon’ in the western part of the reserve, as well as in Analamay in the eastern part. Such birds are usually absent from the Tsingy May forest, an area of low vegetation on the most exposed rocks. The site is one of the six known for Mesitornis variegata, and holds (with nearby Andavakoera) the only populations of Caprimulgus enarratus known in the West Malagasy biome. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Phaner furcifer? electromontis (VU), Eulemur coronatus (VU), E. fulvus sanfordi (VU), Hapalemur griseus? occidentalis (VU), Lepilemur septentrionalis (VU), Propithecus diadema perrieri (CR), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Andavakoera Classified Forest | This site is located about 13 km north-east of Ambilobe. It is spread over three elongated mountains (aligned south-west to north-east)—Bobavato, Ambohibe and Andavakoera—between which are large, flat valleys. The south-eastern part of the site is bounded by a cliff. The topography is pronounced, with very steep slopes and areas of exposed bedrock. Three main rivers flow across the site: the Ambararata, which has its source on Andavakoera mountain and flows towards the south-east, and the Maharenina and Mananjeba, which flow down the valleys towards the south-west. The forest is mostly dry deciduous, in particular on the peaks and slopes. The remaining vegetation, notably the gallery forests, is composed of low- 127>altitude, dense humid forest. The forest block on Andavakoera mountain is intact. Dominant trees include Canarium, Dalbergia, Hernandia, Eugenia, Capurodendron, Diospyros, Albizia and Commiphora. Secondary woodland covers the slopes of Ambohibe and Bobavato mountains in the north and the west of the site. Savanna, with few or no trees/shrubs, occurs adjacent to the gallery forests. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixty-two species are known from the site, of which 30 are endemic to Madagascar. Species characteristic of both dry forest (e.g. Falculea palliata) and wet forest (e.g. Caprimulgus enarratus, Phyllastrephus zosterops and Coua caerulea) are present. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur coronatus (VU), E. fulvus sanfordi (VU), Lepilemur septentrionalis (VU), Propithecus diadema perrieri (CR), Phaner furcifer (nt), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Lake Sahaka | The site lies on the eastern littoral, and is flat with sandy soil. It includes the freshwater Lake Sahaka, as well as the neighbouring wetlands Ampanasina-North, Ampanasina-Centre, Ampanasina-South, Ampasirabe, Doanihely and Doanibe. Lake Sahaka is fed by the Antsahampano river and many springs, and flows into the Manambato river. There is a large variety of habitats, including clearwater lakes, expanses of water-lilies (Nymphaeaceae), marshes with reedbeds of Phragmites, seasonal lakes, savanna with palms Bismarckia and baobabs (Bombacaceae), and a block of littoral forest. Part of the lake surface has been invaded by non-native water-hyacinth Eichhornia. The lake has good fish stocks and is a refuge for waterbirds. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Fifty-two species are known from the site, of which 14 are endemic to Madagascar. The location of the site between the East and West Malagasy biomes explains the presence of western species such as Actophilornis albinucha, Falculea palliata, Ploceus sakalava, and of one species specific to eastern wetlands (Anas melleri). The African species Ardea goliath, which is very rare in Madagascar, has been observed at the site. Species of global conservation concern include Ardeola idae. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur coronatus (VU), E. fulvus sanfordi (VU). Reptiles: Boa madagascariensis (VU), B. manditra (VU). | |
| Ambavanankarana wetlands | This site consists of a strip of mangrove located along the western coast and stretching over 90 km between Antsatsaka (25 km north of Ambanja) in the south, and Bobasakoa (45 km north-west of Ambilobe) in the north. Ambaro Bay lies off its southern part. Ampasinantenina (Port Saint Louis) peninsula divides the site into two parts, where the city of Antsohimbondrona is directly linked to Ambilobe by a tar road 30 km long. In addition to the mangrove, this site includes mudflats (1 km wide at low tide), lakes and saltmarshes. The main rivers in the area, the Bobasakoa, Andranomandevy, Mananjeba, Mahavavy, Itasy and Ambazoana, flow from north to south into the Mozambique Channel. Several of them (some nutrient-poor) rise from the underground waters of the Ankarana massif. The mangrove woodland is mainly composed of Avicennia and Rhizophora trees (5–10 m high). | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Forty-eight species are known from the site, of which seven are endemic to Madagascar. The site supports the largest congregations of Dromas ardeola and Sterna saundersi known in Madagascar. | |
| Daraina Forest | The site consists of the second parcel of the Binara Forest, which is part of the Daraina Forest. It is located on a mountainous massif with steep, rocky slopes. The headwaters of several rivers lie in the site. The forest is divided into two adjacent blocks. The western block, Andrangovato Forest, is composed of dense, dry, semi-deciduous forest (10–20 m high), while the other block, Andranofotitra Forest, is composed of dense, humid evergreen forest (up to 25 m). The most characteristic tree species are those of the Sapotaceae, Rubiaceae, Loganiaceae, Acanthaceae, Asclepiadaceae and Guttiferae. Most of them are food sources for lemurs. Areas of primary forest are separated by relatively old secondary forests and by savanna. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. There is an unusual mixture of eastern and western species in the different types of forest; however, the areas of humid forest seem to be somewhat depauperate in comparison to other lowland forests. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur coronatus (VU), E. fulvus sanfordi (VU), Propithecus tattersalli (CR), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). | |
| Nosy Manitse Future SAPM Marine and surrounding wetlands | These coastal wetlands are located 50 km south-west of Ampanihy. The site includes Nosy Manitse, located 10 km off Bevoalavo, as well as a large strip of forest (35–40 km long and 130–200 m wide) between Bevoalavo West and Bezavo, Anataiky Bay, Cape Fenambosy and Androkahely Bay. The wetlands are composed of reddish-brown sandbanks extending along the coast. Androkahely Bay comprises a vast sandy area covered by muddy sediments from the River Linta. The wetlands of Cape Fenambosy and Anataiky Bay are brackish. The interior of Anataiky Bay is bordered by a muddy area, partly covered by savanna and partly by mangrove. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Thirty-eight species are known from this site, of which four are endemic to Madagascar. There are many Sterna bengalensis and Sterna bergii. In the 1940s, a colony of more than 4,000 pairs of Sterna dougallii was present on Nosy Manitse. The current status of this colony is not known. Threskiornis (aethiopicus) bernieri occurs, at the southern limit of its range, as does a significant population of Charadrius thoracicus. | |
| Nosy Be and satellite islands | Located in the north-west of Madagascar, this site is composed of a group of islands and islets. Nosy Be is the largest island off the coast of Madagascar (c.25,200 ha). It is mountainous, rising to 430 m in the south-east. Its eastern coast is mainly occupied by agriculture, notably sugar-cane. Dense, humid evergreen forest remains more or less intact in the centre of the island and also in the Lokobe National Park in the south-east. Several small islands and islets surround Nosy Be. Nosy Komba (2,200 ha) lies c.3 km south-east of Nosy Be. It is pyramidal, with a peak 579 m high, and is covered by dense, humid evergreen forest. There are a few small fishing villages. Nosy Sakatia (500 ha), located west of Nosy Be, is also covered by dense, humid evergreen forest. It is mountainous (up to 137 m high). Nosy Tanikely (c.30 ha) is an islet with cliffs in the north and west, and sandy beaches in the south and east. It is a marine reserve, surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. Its central plateau is covered by dense, humid evergreen forest. Nosy Raty (c.30 ha) is a small basaltic islet, covered by savanna with some woody species. Nosy Fanihy (25 ha) is a raised reef (several tens of metres above sea-level) north of Nosy Be, covered in woodland (10–15 m) with lianas. The understorey is open and easy to access, despite the presence of spiny shrubs. At low tide, the beach in the south-east of the island is exposed. Thirty kilometres south-west of Nosy Be, near the Ampasindava peninsula, there is a group of small islets and rocks: Nosy Kivongy, Nosy Antsoha and Nosy Ankazoberavina (each less than 50 ha in area). | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Four pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides breed on the satellite islands of Nosy Be (Nosy Antsoha, Nosy Ankazoberavina, Nosy Vorona and Nosy Fanihy) and at least one pair breeds on Nosy Be. A few dozen pairs of Sula leucogaster breed on Nosy Kasinjy. Nosy Raty holds five breeding pairs of Egretta dimorpha. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur macaco macaco (VU), Lepilemur dorsalis (VU). | |
| Ampasindava Bay wetlands | The site is composed of bays, rivers and estuaries located in the coastal zone of the Ampasindava peninsula. The relief of the peninsula is very much marked, with cuestas and outcrops of lias, sandstone and schist, dissected by many rivers (the main ones being the Bemanevika, Barimahamay and Anafiafy). The coastal vegetation consists of mangrove woodland, sometimes interrupted by littoral forest. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Among the 39 recorded species, 15 are endemic. A few Threskiornis (aethiopicus) bernieri occur, as well as some pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides. According to local information, Anas bernieri breeds at the site. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur macaco macaco (VU), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). | |
| Manongarivo Special Reserve | This site, a mountainous massif, is located about 60 km south of Ambanja. Steep slopes (25–55°) cover about half of its area. Valleys are narrow and littered with large boulders. The headwaters of the Manongarivo river, and of tributaries of the Sambirano, Djangoa and Ambahatra rivers, all lie within the reserve, which functions as a hydrological reservoir for the surrounding area. The vegetation is composed of low- and mid-altitude dense humid forest. Low-altitude dry-transitional forest covers 18% of the reserve, and is dominated by trees of Canarium, Symphonia (and other species of Guttiferae), Terminalia, Ravensara and species of Sapotaceae, with smaller trees such as Phyllarthron in the subcanopy. The understorey is dominated by large lianas (e.g. Landolphia spp.) and palms (e.g. Dypsis). Mid- and higher-altitude forest covers 28% of the site, extending to the summit of the mountain at 1,876 m; epiphytes are common (Rhipsalis, Platycerium, Drymaria, Asplenium, Bulbophyllum, Angraecum) and there are also rare trees such as Calliandra kony and Takhtajania perrieri. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixty species are known from the site, of which 30 are endemic to Madagascar. However, knowledge of the bird fauna is incomplete and recent inventories are likely to increase these figures. Philepitta schlegeli and Falculea palliata, species characteristic of the West Malagasy biome, are present at low altitudes at the site. Species of global conservation concern include Lophotibis cristata. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Phaner furcifer parienti (VU), Eulemur macaco (VU), Hapalemur griseus occidentalis (VU), Lepilemur dorsalis (VU), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). Reptiles: Boa manditra (VU), B. madagascariensis (VU). Butterfly: Papilio grosesmithi (nt). | |
| Tsaratanana Integral Reserve and adjacent areas | Tsaratanana, located south of Ambanja, is the highest mountain range in Madagascar, with the peak of Maromokotro rising to 2,876 m. It is of volcanic origin, being composed of granite and migmatite. The headwaters of the Ramena, Sambirano and Mahavavy rivers lie within the reserve. Mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest, characterized by an abundance of trees 10–12 m high, lianas and palms, covers the area up to 2,000 m. Dense bamboo forest, forming a belt, characterizes the area located between 2,000 and 2,200 m. Sclerophyllous montane forest is found between 2,200 and 2,600 m and grassy savanna occurs above 2,600 m (of human origin, having replaced the original montane bushland following repeated burning and livestock-grazing). | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Ninety-four species are known from the site, of which 56 are endemic. Tyto soumagnei was found at an altitude of 2,000 m, the highest known for this species. This is also the northern limit known for Eutriorchis astur. Many species occur at higher altitudes here than elsewhere in their ranges. The subspecies Saxicola torquata tsaratananensis is limited to this site. | |
| Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve and extension | This site is a highly indented mountainous massif, composed of migmatite, quartzite and granite, and with steep slopes. Its north-eastern part, which is steeper, is part of the crystalline edge of the Andapa basin. Annual rainfall can exceed 3,000 mm at the higher altitudes. The reserve is the most important watershed for the rivers flowing to the north and the south of the Andapa basin to join the rivers flowing to the east. The main rivers are the Andramonta in the north, the Marolakana in the centre, and the Ankaibe and Manandriana in the south-east. Three types of vegetation can be found: low-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest (up to 900 m); mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest (900–1,100 m); and dense montane forest (above 1,100 m). Notable forest trees include Dalbergia, Diospyros, Weinmannia and Eugenia. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. The site holds most of the species that are characteristic of the eastern forest. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Allocebus trichotis (CR), Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Indri indri (EN), Propithecus diadema candidus (EN), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivores: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU), Fossa fossana (VU). | |
| Marojejy National Park | Marojejy National Park comprises the forested Marojejy massif and its neighbouring foothills. The massif is mountainous, with steep, granitic peaks, quartzite crests and narrow valleys. There are significant variations in microclimate, from sub-humid to humid, and from cold to temperate. In some areas, annual rainfall is over 3,000 mm. October is the driest month and January the wettest. Winter temperatures may fall to around 2°C in higher areas. The Androranga river flows along the northern boundary of the park and the Lokoho river in the south and east. Marojejy is the only one of the five large mountainous massifs in Madagascar whose high-altitude vegetation is still largely intact. Most of the site is covered in dense, humid evergreen forest. However, because of the great range of altitudes that the massif spans, it supports four distinct types of vegetation: (1) Low-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest in the valleys. This forest is largely degraded. The emergent tree Canarium is abundant. Acanthaceae, Urticaceae and Gramineae are well represented in the ground layer, and tree-ferns are common. Secondary vegetation, partially dominated by giant bamboo Ochlandra and wild ginger Aframomum, occurs in the lowest areas, near the park boundary. (2) Mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest, with a grassy ground layer dominated by herbs such as Begonia, Exacum, Gravesia, Impatiens and Phaius. (3) Dense sclerophyllous montane forest. (4) Montane bushland dominated by tree-heath Erica occurs at the highest altitudes, as do patches of grassland. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Ninety-six species are known from the site, of which 63 are endemic. The bird fauna of the park is very rich: nearly all of the species that are restricted to eastern forest have been recorded. Eutriorchis astur was discovered in the park in 1988, after c.50 years without any records throughout its range. Non-bird biodiversity: The site is a major centre of endemism in the Eastern Malagasy region. Bat: Myzopoda aurita (VU). Lemurs: Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Propithecus diadema candidus (CR), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivores: Fossa fossana (VU), Cryptoprocta ferox (VU), Galidictis fasciata (VU). Butterfly: Papilio mangoura (VU). | |
| Masoala National Park | This site is located on the Masoala peninsula. It consists of a terrestrial area, covering 67% of the forested massif of the peninsula in the west, and a marine area that includes three reserves - Tampolo, Tanjona and Cape Masoala - and a marine sanctuary in Antongil Bay. The western slope of the peninsula, starting c.10 km in from the coast, is very steep while the eastern slope, c.50 km wide, inclines gently. About 98% of the site’s land surface is covered by more or less intact, low- to mid-altitude, humid evergreen forest. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. One hundred and eleven species are known from the site, of which 60 are endemic to Madgascar. The park is the first site where research could be carried out on Eutriorchis astur and it is the best known area for the protection of this threatened species. Non-bird biodiversity: Plants: there are palms which are endemic to the Sahavavy, Hiaraka and Antalavia region, such as Marojejya darainii, Dypsis pachyramea and Lemurophoenix halleuxi, as well as a carnivorous pitcher-plant endemic to the peninsula, Nepenthes masoalensis. Lemurs: Varecia variegata rubra (CR), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN), Phaner furcifer furcifer (nt). Carnivores: Fossa fossana (VU), Galidictis fasciata (VU), Eupleres goudotii (EN), Cryptoprocta ferox (VU), Salanoia concolor (VU). | |
| Sahamalaza - Radama Islands National Marine Park | The site comprises the Sahamalaza peninsula, the 30-km-long bay itself, the mangrove to the east of the peninsula (8,400 ha) and the coral reefs to the west (more than 10,000 ha). The peninsula has steep slopes, rising to 170 m in the southern part. Its west coast is stony and rocky, with mangroves. The principal rivers flowing into the bay are the Andranomalaza, which passes the town of Maromandia, and the Manamboro and Samonta, which lie to the south. On the slopes, the vestiges of a dense, dry deciduous forest form two blocks, situated in the south (Analavory Forest) and west (north of Ambinda village) of the peninsula. The dominant tree species include Dalbergia, Albizia and Tamarindus. The north-eastern part has been cleared of forest, but seems to be regenerating. In the mangroves, all eight mangrove tree species found in Madagascar are present, and can reach more than 8 m in height. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. The site is important for several pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides and large flocks of Sterna bengalensis. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Phaner furcifer (nt), Eulemur macaco flavifrons (CR), Hapalemur griseus occidentalis (VU), Lepilemur dorsalis (VU), Avahi occidentalis (VU), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Ankaizina wetlands | The Ankaizina wetlands lie 5–10 km north of Bealanana and consists of Lakes Anakarefo, Beandrarazina and Matsaboramadio, Nanilezana marsh, and two other unnamed lakes. The area lies in an alluvial basin, ringed by hills of gneiss, granite, basalt and trachyte. The lakes are shallow and often turbid. The wetland complex is fed from the west by the Maevarano river and from the east by the Sofia and the Manampatrana. The water surface is partly covered by non-native water-hyacinth Eichhornia, and bordered in places by stands of sedge Cyperus, Raphia palms and grasses. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Ardea humbloti is a species normally associated with the West Malagasy biome. | |
| Loza Bay wetlands | Loza Bay lies between Analalava and Antsohihy and consists of a narrow 10-km-long estuary. The bay is 700–1,500 m wide and less than 10 m deep, except at its mouth where it can be 30 m deep at low tide. Towards the mouth, mangrove is weakly developed and sparse, growing on shingle-beaches in patches of c.10 ha each. Mangrove is most developed (10 m high or more) where tributaries flow into the Bay. Rather large areas of intertidal mudflat fringe the mangrove. The banks are covered by dense, dry deciduous forest, mostly degraded, with savanna on those parts of the neighbouring hills which have not been eroded bare. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Twenty species are known from the site, of which one is endemic to Madagascar. Several pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides are known. Non-bird biodiversity: Cetacean: Tursiops truncatus (VU). | |
| Port-Bergé wetlands | This vast complex of wetlands lies on the flood-plain of the Bemarivo river, and includes water-bodies near Mahajamba (Lakes Andranolava, Mafana and Faly, and the Bekapila flood-plain), water-bodies near Port-Bergé (Lakes Besisika, Matsaborifanjava, Ampahaka and Ampombitika-Bezanadaoka—the only large and deep lake—and the Sofia river), and Lake Bekatra near Antsohihy. Lake-margin vegetation includes beds of Cyperus and reed Phragmites. Agriculture predominates in between the wetlands, particularly rice-fields, but there are also areas of dense, dry deciduous forest, savanna (sometimes with palms Bismarckia), and areas dominated by the non-native bush Mimosa pudica. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixty-eight species are known from the site, of which 14 are endemic to Madagascar. A nesting colony of Mycteria ibis is known from the region, and other species such as Ardea humbloti may nest locally. | |
| Ankobohobo wetlands | The site consists of a small bay with a relatively low mangrove (8 m high), mudflats and some sand beaches. Some seasonal rivers flow into the bay. Around the mangrove, there are a few small patches of dry forest. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Nineteen species are known from the site, of which one is endemic to Madagascar. Several pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides nest at the site. | |
| Mahajamba Bay wetlands | This large bay is located 95 km north of Mahajanga. The bay is shallow and is generally less than 5 m deep at low tide, although the main drainage channel at its mouth is 20–90 m deep at low tide. Five rivers flow into the bay: the Sofia and the Tsiribihina rivers in the north-east, the Mahajamba river in the centre, and the Andranoboka and Masokoenja rivers in the south-east. There are 47,500 ha of mangroves, located at the mouths of the five rivers and dominated by Rhizophora and Avicennia. Those located along the sea are well developed (8–10 m high) and show no signs of exploitation. Tongue-shaped mudflats, c.750 m long and 500 m wide, occur along the edge of the mangroves. Some small rocky islets are present in the channel. Parts of the bay shore are rocky, and inland there are more or less wooded hills. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Thirteen species are known from the site, of which one is endemic to Madagascar. The site holds the largest congregation of Egretta dimorpha known. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Propithecus verreauxi coquereli (EN). | |
| Bombetoka Bay and Marovoay wetlands | The site lies 20 km from Mahajanga. Bombetoka Bay is delimited, in the north, by a line from Katsepy in the west to the headland just north of Boanamary in the east, and, in the south, by the Marovoay flood-plain. The bay consists of mangrove islets (43,500 ha) separated by channels (21,500 ha at high tide) and mudflats (8,500 ha at low tide), with shallow subtidal waters in the estuary. The water is shallow (less than 5 m deep at low tide), except towards the mouth, and is very turbid. Northern mangroves are relatively degraded (3–4 m high), while those toward the south are in better condition; likewise, those on the coast are more intact than those in brackish, inland areas, where the canopy is 6–8 m high. The largest mudflats lie immediately seaward of the mangrove islets. A muddy bar crosses the mouth of the estuary, 10 m wide and covered with scattered mangroves. The Marovoay wetlands comprise a vast area of rice-fields, marshes with Cyperaceae, and a large reservoir, Lake Amboromalandy. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixty species are known from the site, of which 10 are endemic to Madagascar. The occurrence of a large, seasonal congregation of Anas bernieri (the largest known), and of several individuals of Threskiornis (aethiopicus) bernieri, in the Bombetoka estuary, is notable. The eastern part of Lake Amboromalandy is very rich in waterbirds. Non-bird biodiversity: Sirenian: Dugong dugon (VU; present, according to local people). | |
| Mahavavy–Kinkony Complex | This site consists of Lake Kinkony (to the south of Mitsinjo town), the Mahavavy delta in the north, Marambitsy Bay in the west, and the Tsiombikibo Forest in the centre. The lake is 1–4 m deep and links to other satellite lakes during the rainy season, having a minimum area of 10,000 ha. The delta, limited by Cape Tanjona in the east and by Kingany village in the west, has an area of 33,700 ha, which includes c.16,000 ha of mangrove, c.5,200 ha of mudflats and c.12,500 ha of sea. The bay includes c.7,500 ha of mangrove islets, mudflats and marshes. The mangroves are dominated by Avicennia and Rhizophora. Near the sea they are well developed (8–10 m high), but further to the west and the east they are less dense and lower (5–6 m high). The permanent, but irregular, Mahavavy river feeds the lake and the delta. Smaller rivers, and streams from the Tsiombikibo Forest, flow into Marambitsy Bay. The lake vegetation includes vast reedbeds of Phragmites in the eastern part, and beds of Cyperus in adjacent areas. Tsiombikibo is a dense, dry deciduous forest, dominated by Dalbergia, Erythrophleum couminga and Commiphora. Other terrestrial areas are covered by dense grassland. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. A total of 97 species have been recorded at the site, of which 26 are endemic to Madagascar. Anas bernieri, Haliaeetus vociferoides and Amaurornis olivieri have been seen at Lake Kinkony in the past, and c.10 Anas bernieri were seen recently on mudflats in the delta. However, these species are now no longer thought to occur in the lake. A large number of Threskiornis (aethiopicus) bernieri, probably a highly threatened species, is present on the delta, as is a large group of Phoenicopterus ruber. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur mongoz (VU), Hapalemur griseus occidentalis (VU), Propithecus verreauxi deckeni (VU), P. verreauxi coronatus (CR). Reptile: Erymnochelys madagascariensis (EN). Fish: Paretroplus kieneri (VU), P. petiti (CR). | |
| Baly Bay National Park | Baly Bay National Park is divided into four parcels with 10 core zones. The core zones cover 47,966 ha, with the remainder of the park being a buffer zone. Six of the core zones are located in the western part of the site. The three largest are Beheta (19,769 ha) and Cape Sada (1,192 ha) in the east, and a large part of the Amparafaka peninsula in the west. The terrain is gently undulating, with low hills and cliffs rising to c.80 m. There are many seasonal streams, two main permanent rivers, the Andranomavo and Kapiloza, and several permanent lakes, of which Lake Sariaka (c.300 ha) is the largest. The southern part of Baly Bay consists of mangrove, dominated by Avicennia and Rhizophora. The main lake vegetation is water-lilies Nymphaea and other floating plants. In flooded valleys and nearby a significant number of Raphia palms are present. Dry deciduous forest, dominated by Dalbergia, Commiphora and Erythrophleum couminga (a very restricted-range tree species), is found mainly in the Tsiombikibo and Ambinda region, with remaining areas covered mainly in secondary vegetation of savanna with Bismarckia palms, or Hyphaene palms in humid valleys, or, on the hills, a rather characteristic formation composed of clumps of bamboo, mainly Perrierbambos madagascariensis. The tortoise Geochelone yniphora lives in these clumps, mainly at Cape Sada and Antsokotsoko, with a small surviving population in Beheta and Betainalika. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. A total of 118 species are known from the area, of which 35 are endemic to Madagascar. Lake Sariaka holds a few pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides and a colony of breeding waterbirds that includes Platalea alba, Mycteria ibis, Ardea cinerea, Ardea humbloti and Threskiornis (aethiopicus) bernieri. The mudflats, lagoons, bay and west coast of the Ampasindava peninsula hold species such as Haliaeetus vociferoides, Threskiornis (aethiopicus) bernieri and Charadrius thoracicus. During the summer, there is a gathering of 10,000 terns near Cape Amparafaka, mainly composed of Sterna bengalensis and Sterna hirundo. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Microcebus? myoxinus (VU), Hapalemur griseus occidentalis (VU), Propithecus verreauxi deckeni (VU), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivores: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU), Eupleres goudotii (EN). Cetacean: Sousa chinensis (DD). Sirenian: Dugong dugon (VU). Reptiles: Chelonia mydas (EN), Lepidochelys olivacea (EN), Geochelone yniphora (EN; the world population is confined to the national park). | |
| Ankarafantsika National Park and Ampijoroa Forestry Station | This complex of protected areas is centred on an outcrop of calcareous rock, lying c.250 m above the neighbouring plains (which are 60–90 m above sea-level). The site’s eastern and southern limits slope down abruptly but the northern and western parts are less steep. The Mahajamba river flows along the north-eastern boundary of the reserve. The site includes several lakes, such as Lake Ravelobe in the eastern part of Ampijoroa Forestry Station. Dry forest covers most of the site, with numerous trees of Leguminosae, Myrtaceae and Passifloraceae. Xerophytes such as Pachypodium can also be found. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. One hundred and fifteen species are known from the site, of which 41 are endemic to Madagascar. At least five pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides breed at the site. Ankarafantsika is one of only two sites known for Xenopirostris damii, and one of only six sites known for Mesitornis variegata. The total population of the latter species at the site has been estimated at between 6,000 and 26,000. Tachybaptus pelzelnii and Ardea humbloti are regular non-breeding visitors, and about 20 pairs of Ardeola idae breed at Lake Ravelobe. Lophotibis cristata and Philepitta schlegeli are both fairly common, the latter being restricted to humid valleys. Alectroenas madagascariensis, normally a species confined to the East Malagasy biome, is sometimes recorded here. There have been recent records of Hypositta corallirostris which, if confirmed, would be the first record of this species outside the east. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Microcebus ravelobensis (only known from here), Eulemur mongoz (VU), Avahi occidentalis (VU), Propithecus verreauxi coquereli (EN). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). Rodent: Macrotarsomys ingens (CR). Reptiles: Erymnochelys madagascariensis (EN), Boa madagascariensis (VU), B. manditra (VU). | |
| Cape Saint André Forest and wetlands | The site is located about 70 km north-east of Besalampy. The relief is low and soils are sandy. Habitats include forest, lakes and mangrove. The forest area is composed of dense, dry deciduous forest with a high, closed canopy, dominated by Dalbergia and bordered, in the east, by savanna. The savanna is wooded with palms Bismarckia, screw-pine Pandanus, Albizia and tamarind Tamarindus. Lake-margin vegetation includes water-lilies (Nymphaeaceae), legumes (Leguminosae), sedges (Cyperaceae), screw-pines (Pandanaceae) and grasses (Gramineae). The mangrove is dominated by trees of Rhizophora, Avicennia, Sonneratia and Ceriops. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Seventy-eight species are known from the site, of which 27 are endemic to Madagascar. The avifauna is a mixture of forest birds and waterbirds. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Hapalemur griseus occidentalis (VU). Reptile: Boa madagascariensis (VU). | |
| Marotandrano Special Reserve | Marotandrano Special Reserve is located south of the town of Marotandrano, 4 km south of Mandritsara. The main rivers which rise in the area are the Amboaboa, Andranokelilalina and Andramy, which flow to the Indian Ocean, and the Vatolahy and Mahatsara, which flow to the Mozambique Channel. The vegetation is mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest, lying at the western limit of such habitat. Trees of Tambourissa, Dalbergia, Onchostemum and Canarium dominate the upper layer, while the mid-stratum is characterized by tree-ferns, bamboo-lianas and palms. On the ridges, the lower vegetation layer is dense and characterized by thick grass clumps. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Among the 76 recorded species, two are little known—Eutriorchis astur and Tyto soumagnei—and 49 are endemic to Madagascar. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Varecia variegata variegata (EN), Propithecus diadema diadema (EN), Indri indri (EN). | |
| Tsingy de Namoroka National Park | Tsingy de Namoroka National Park lies 55 km south of Soalala. Most of the site comprises a raised karst plateau, divided by gorges and limited on all sides by 30-m-high cliffs, similar to the Bemaraha Tsingy, 250 km to the south. There are four small permanent rivers, the Ambatofolaka, Mandevy, Andriabe and Ambararata, as well as various temporary streams. Permanent and temporary pools are located in the caves and caverns within the karst. During the dry season, the plateau is an important hydrological reservoir for the surrounding area. Dense, dry semi-deciduous forest covers c.50% of the reserve, especially in the gorges and on the periphery of the plateau. The karst plateau itself is covered by xerophilous bushland, dominated by Euphorbia, Pachypodium and baobabs Adansonia. The plateau is surrounded by slightly undulating ground, mainly covered by savanna (with palms Bismarckia) which is highly degraded due to annual burning for pasture. Gallery forests line the rivers flowing through the savanna, with screw-pines Pandanus prominent. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixty-three species are known from the site, of which 28 are endemic to Madagascar. Philepitta schlegeli is quite common, while Alectroenas madagascariensis, a species normally confined to the East Malagasy biome, can be found on rare occasions. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Phaner furcifer pallescens (VU), Propithecus verreauxi deckeni (VU). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). Reptiles: Boa madagascariensis (VU), Brookesia bonsi (endemic to the site). | |
| MaevatananaAmbato-Boeny wetlands | The site consists of Lakes Ambanja, Vasily, Belongo and Manapatanana, located near Ambato-Boeny, and of Lakes Amparihibe, Mangabe, Bekopoly, Ambariasara and Bevoatavo, in the area of Maevatanana. The general area consists of a number of very large depressions, mainly covered (near Ambato-Boeny) by seasonal marshes which have been converted to rice-fields and other cultivation, and (near Maevatanana) by marshes and lakes. The main rivers are the Kamoro river, which flows across the Ambato-Boeny area, and the Betsiboka river, which flows west from AAmbato-Boeny then south towards Maevatanana and which feeds the south of this area. The vegetation of the lakes includes beds of Cyperus, reedbeds of Phragmites, floating expanses of water-lily Nymphaea, non-native water-hyacinth Eichhornia and water-fern Azolla. On adjacent hills there are bushes of Zizyphus and Strychnos. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Thirty-four species are known from the site, of which three are endemic to Madagascar. Haliaeetus vociferoides is recorded infrequently, and Aythya innotata has been recorded in the past. Populations of Ardea humbloti and Tachybaptus pelzelnii are probably quite high, although nesting colonies of larger waterbirds in particular remain to be identified. Non-bird biodiversity: Reptile: Erymnochelys madagascariensis (EN). | |
| Maningoza Special Reserve | The site is located 50 km south-east of Besalampy. The relief is slightly undulating. The fast-flowing Maningoza river runs through the forest. The reserve includes dense, dry deciduous forest and secondary savanna. The forest is dominated by trees of Dalbergia, Givotia, Securinega, Commiphora, Eugenia and Ravensara. The mid-stratum is composed of small shrubs, numerous lianas and some epiphytes. There are palms Hyphaene and Bismarckia in the savanna. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. As with Bemarivo Special Reserve, Maningoza Special Reserve is still rather poorly known ornithologically. However, 52 species are known from the site, of which 25 are endemic to Madagascar. Species of global conservation concern include Philepitta schlegeli. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Hapalemur griseus occidentalis (VU), Propithecus verreauxi deckeni (VU). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Bemarivo Special Reserve | The site is located 11 km from Besalampy, on a coastal plateau. Within the reserve, the Bemarivo river is permanent while the small tributaries of the Marotondro river are seasonal. The main vegetation is dense, dry deciduous forest, dominated by trees of Ravensara, Dalbergia, Cordyla, Sideroxylon, Grewia, Diospyros and Eugenia. Outside the forest, there is secondary savanna with palms Bismarckia. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixty species are known from the site, of which 23 are endemic to Madagascar. However, the bird fauna of this forest is still poorly known and it is likely that other species remain to be discovered. Species of global conservation concern include Lophotibis cristata and Philepitta schlegeli. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Propithecus verreauxi deckeni (VU). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Kasijy Special Reserve | Kasijy Special Reserve is located 20 km north-west of Bemonto. The site comprises two forested outcrops of karst: the Kasijy massif and the small Analamajera massif. Three rivers delimit the site: the Andranomaitso river in the north, the Mahavavy river in the east and the Mahiarere river in the south. In the west, the site is bounded by a line from the Mahavavy river to the source of the Andranomaitso. In the north, the forest is dense, semi-deciduous and dry, with trees of Adansonia, Cedrelopsis and Hildegardia dominating. An area of savanna, with some woody species, is located in the southern part. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Fifty-four species are known from the site, of which 27 are endemic to Madagascar. Species of global conservation concern include Accipiter henstii and Philepitta schlegeli. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Phaner furcifer pallescens (VU), Propithecus verreauxi deckeni (VU). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). Reptile: Erymnochelys madagascariensis (EN). | |
| Tambohorano wetlands | The site lies on the west coast of Madagascar, and consists of the mangrove located south-east of the town of Tambohorano, a portion of the adjacent coastal area, an offshore island (Nosy Vao), and Lakes Mandrozo and Manapape, located respectively 35 km west and 15 km south-east of the town. Lake Manapape (also called Andranovoribe) lies near the village of Andranovao. The mangrove extends south to the mouth of the Manambaho river and north to the north of Tambohorano. It is relatively dense, dominated by Avicennia, and is surrounded by vast coastal mudflats. The lakes are natural, with clear water. Lake Mandrozo is 2–3 m deep, while Lake Manapape is shallower. Seasonal marshes develop on the periphery of Lake Mandrozo when it floods. There are several islets in this lake, the largest of which is in the middle. Marginal vegetation at Lake Manapape includes abundant Cyperus, as well as Mimosa pudica and floating expanses of water-lily Nymphaea and water-hyacinth Eichhornia. Lake Manapape has very good fish-stocks. Both lakes are surrounded by savanna with palms Hyphaene. Nosy Vao is covered in savanna with some palms Hyphaene in the central part of the island; offshore there are coral reefs. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty-two species are known from the site, of which 20 are endemic to Madagascar. A relatively large number of Anas bernieri breed in the Tambohorano mangroves, representing perhaps 10% of the world population. Large and significant numbers of terns (Sterninae) roost on the reefs off Nosy Vao at low tide; most or all seem to be only passing through, before the breeding season. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Propithecus verreauxi deckeni (VU). | |
| Iles Barren complex | This site is located 10–30 km offshore of Maintirano, and includes the Iles Barren archipelago and the island of Nosy Marify. The archipelago comprises seven islets: Mavony, Lava, Andrano, Mangily, Dondosy, Androtra and Maroantaly. Most are covered in savanna with scattered trees and palms Hyphaene, but some are covered by Casuarina woodland. Nosy Mavony (Nosimborona) has very few trees but has a good cover of herbaceous plants such as Ipomoea. Nosy Dondosy, which ends with a rather abrupt cliff at its southern tip, is inhabited by fishermen. According to local information, Nosy Mangily remains uninhabited. Nosy Marify is located 17 km west from Maintirano. A small part of it is covered by Ipomoea. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Twenty-one species are known from the site, of which one is endemic to Madagascar. A total of 1,480 pairs of Sterna dougallii were counted during a recent visit, of which 1,400 were on Nosy Mavony, where they were nesting with c.100 Sterna anaethetus. In 1982, there were c.2,000 pairs of Sterna dougallii at the site. Ardea humbloti has been recorded on Nosy Dondosy and Nosy Mangily. | |
| Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and Strict Nature Reserve | Bemaraha Tsingy National Park and Strict Nature Reserve are located 60–80 km inland of the west coast of Madagascar. They are delimited to the south by the Manambolo river, to the east by a cliff, to the west by savanna, and to the north by the Soahany river. The western part of the site comprises a raised, heavily eroded karst plateau (Bemaraha Tsingy), with elongate sink-holes and deep canyons. Several permanent rivers and some seasonal streams flow out of the karst into the Soahany and Manambolo rivers. The vegetation is dense, dry deciduous forest, although, where the soil is humid, the forest has been degraded and, in the sink-holes and canyons, the forest is more evergreen, with trees higher than 12 m on average and a thick layer of leaf-litter. The non-forested part of the site, away from the karst, is savanna, with gallery forest lining the more permanent watercourses. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Ninety-six species are known from the site, of which 39 are endemic to Madagascar. Populations of Canirallus and Monticola at the site probably represent distinct species, restricted to the reserve. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Mirza coquereli (VU), Phaner furcifer pallescens (VU), Hapalemur griseus occidentalis (VU), Avahi occidentalis (VU), Propithecus verreauxi deckeni (VU). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Bemamba wetland complex | The site is located 60 km from Antsalova and 8 km from the Mozambique Channel. It comprises a vast complex of shallow lakes (less than 2 m deep) and marshes on alluvial soil, located to the west of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. In the north and the east, the Beboka and Soahany rivers feed the complex. Water-bodies in the northern part are freshwater and seasonal, not holding water after July, while the central and southern water-bodies are permanent but increasingly saline towards the south. The wetlands in the north have been converted to rice-fields, while the central area is almost entirely covered by very dense, 2-m-high beds of reed-mace Typha, and the southern area by Typha, rushes Juncus, aquatic grasses and reeds. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. One hundred and thirteen species are known from the site, of which 31 are endemic to Madagascar. Bemamba is the only site recently known for Amaurornis olivieri, and it is also of primary importance for Anas bernieri. There are also large breeding colonies of other waterbirds. This is the only site which holds all of the restricted-range species characteristic of the western wetlands of Madagascar. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Hapalemur griseus occidentalis (VU), Propithecus verreauxi deckeni (VU), Phaner furcifer (nt). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). Reptile: Erymnochelys madagascariensis (EN). | |
| Manambolomaty wetland complex and Tsimembo Classified Forest | Lakes Ankerika, Antsamaka, Soamalipo and Befotaka form the wetlands of the Manambolomaty complex, 35 km south-west of Antsalova, and are surrounded by the Tsimembo Forest. Lake Ankerika is located in the commune of Trangahy, and the three others in the commune of Masoarivo. Lakes Soamalipo and Befotaka are linked. The lakes lie on alluvial soils and most are freshwater and permanent, with a depth of 3–6 m depending on the season. Lake Antsamaka is brackish and 3 m deep during the rainy season, but may completely dry up at the end of the dry season. Aquatic vegetation at this lake includes water-lilies Nymphaea and rushes Juncus. In the southern part of the lakes, an area of 98 ha has been converted to seasonal marshes and rice-fields. Tsimembo Forest is bounded by the Manambolomaty river in the south and by the Beboka river in the north, and consists of dense, dry deciduous forest. Dominant canopy trees include Dalbergia, Stereospermum, Givotia, Xylia, Cordyla, Hildegardia, Delonix and Diospyros. The mid-stratum is dominated by species of Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Leguminosae. On patches of much sandier soil (old sand-dunes), the forest canopy is lower and there are fewer emergents. The part of the Tsimembo Forest that surrounds Lake Antsamaka is called Ankotrofotsy Forest. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Ninety-three species are known from the site, of which 29 are endemic to Madagascar. The site holds 10 pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides, representing c.10% of the world population. There is an islet which is a roosting and nesting site for herons (Ardeidae) such as Ardea humbloti, and for Anas bernieri. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Phaner furcifer pallescens (VU), Hapalemur griseus occidentalis (VU), Propithecus verreauxi deckeni (VU). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). Reptile: Erymnochelys madagascariensis (EN). | |
| Anjanaharibe Classified Forest | This forest lies 32 km north-west of Maroantsetra, north-east of Andaparaty-Ambinanitelo. The terrain is undulating, with steep slopes and high peaks making access difficult. Three main rivers, permanent and turbid, flow to the south-west of Anjanaharibe peak: the Ambalanirana, Antsahabe and Longozabe. The Ambalanirana river is a tributary of the Sahantaha river. Low- and mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest covers the site, and is dominated by Weinmannia, Canarium and Dalbergia. Areas of previous slash-and-burn cultivation are overgrown by secondary thicket, dominated by Harungana trees, traveller’s palm Ravenala and wild ginger Aframomum. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Seventy-one species are known from the site, of which 37 are endemic to Madagascar. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Varecia variegata rubra (CR). | |
| Upper Rantabe Classified Forest | Upper Rantabe Classified Forest is located 90 km south-west of Maroantsetra. The terrain is a succession of mountains and valleys. The Vohilava river flows through the site, as do many permanent or seasonal streams. The vegetation is composed of intact and degraded low-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest. The canopy layer of intact forest is composed of spur- and stilt-root trees 20–25 m high, dominated by Dalbergia and Tambourissa, while the mid-stratum is dominated by shrubs and abundant tree-ferns Cyathea, and the ground layer is formed of small plants and grasses. Secondary thickets in degraded forest are composed mainly of Solanum and Lantana bushes, and wild ginger Aframomum. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty-two species are known from the site, of which 52 are endemic to Madagascar. All species of the Vangidae family characteristic of wet forests, and species characteristic of low-altitude forests, such as Newtonia fanovanae and Brachypteracias squamigera, are present at the site. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Varecia variegata (EN), Indri indri (EN). Carnivore: Fossa fossana (EN). | |
| Mananara-North National Park | Mananara-North National Park lies 225 km north of Toamasina, situated in an area of coastal hills. The park includes a marine area. Shallow, clear, fast-flowing rivers flow through the area eastwards to the coast. The rivers have many sandbanks and a few islets. The park is covered in forest. On the sandy coastal plain, littoral forest is dominated by Terminalia, Calophyllum, Canarium, Heritiera and mangroves of Rhizophora and Avicennia. Inland, there is low-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest with a canopy 30–35 m high, and emergents up to 40 m. Secondary grassland is found in some parts. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty-two species are known from the site, of which 37 are endemic to Madagascar. Knowledge of the park’s avifauna is still scanty, as the results of recent inventories are not yet available. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Allocebus trichotis (CR), Varecia variegata (EN), Indri indri (EN), Propithecus diadema diadema (EN), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivores: Galidictis fasciata (VU), Fossa fossana (VU), Salanoia concolor (VU), Eupleres goudotii (EN), Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Ambatovaky Special Reserve | Ambatovaky Special Reserve is located about 50 km west of the coastal town of Soanierana-Ivongo. Many streams drain eastwards through the site and create innumerable small valleys and ridges between occasional steep-sloped, sharp-peaked mountains. Two main rivers flow through the reserve, the Iampirano and the Sandrangato. The vegetation is mainly dense, low- and mid-altitude, humid evergreen forest, with sclerophyllous montane forest in the higher areas. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Ninety-two species are known from the site, of which 55 are endemic to Madagascar. This is the only site known for Mesitornis variegata in the East Malagasy biome, and it is possible that this population is a separate taxon. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Varecia variegata variegata (EN), Indri indri (EN), Propithecus diadema diadema (EN), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivores: Fossa fossana (VU), Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). Butterflies: Papilio mangoura (VU), Amauris nossima (VU). | |
| Bidia Classified Forest | Bidia Classified Forest lies 30 km north-east of Andilamena. The site is a network of mountains, peaking at Bidia (1,200 m), which is part of the Marovoalavo plateau. The hydrological network is dense and dominated by the Befiaka, Vakoanina and Bidia rivers. The primary vegetation is composed of mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest (frequently 25–30 m high), dominated by trees of Weinmannia, Dalbergia, Canarium and Eugenia. There are also secondary formations of traveller’s palm Ravenala and fallow areas dominated by Solanum and Harungana. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixty-two species are known from the site, of which 33 are endemic to Madagascar. Species characteristic of both low- and mid-altitudes occur. Species of global conservation concern include Tachybaptus pelzelnii, Atelornis pittoides, Dromaeocercus brunneus, Randia pseudozosterops and Pseudobias wardi. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Varecia variegata variegata (EN), Indri indri (EN), Propithecus diadema diadema (EN). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Bezavona Classified Forest | Bezavona Classified Forest is located 60 km north-west of Andilamena, at the extreme western limit of Madagascar’s eastern forests. The site comprises a chain of mountains, with peaks at Bezavona (1,050 m) and Berangompanihy (1,080 m), Bezavona being part of the Marovoalavo plateau. The hydrological network is dense and dominated by the Antsahaberoy river in the east and in the south, and by the Manantsatrana and Fatakanina rivers in the east. The main vegetation is low- and mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest with a closed canopy (20–30 m high), dominated by trees of Oncostemum, Canarium, Sapotaceae and Erythroxylaceae, as well as by dry-forest species such as Capurodendron perrieri and Erythroxylum amplifolium. Tree-ferns Cyathea, palms and bamboo-lianas are abundant in the understorey. Secondary vegetation is dominated by traveller’s palm Ravenala madagascariensis. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Seventy-nine species are known from the site, of which 51 are endemic to Madagascar, including 11 members of the vanga (Vangidae) family. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Varecia variegata variegata (EN), Indri indri (EN). Carnivore: Fossa fossana (VU). | |
| Lake Alaotra | This is the largest lake in Madagascar, situated 170 km north-east of Antananarivo and 7 km north of Ambatondrazaka. It lies in a tectonic basin 40 km long and 9.5 km wide, located between the Grand Angavo escarpment in the west and the Mangoro–Alaotra escarpment in the east. Its depth is 1.0–2.5 m during the low-water season and 4 m during the high-water season. The water is fresh, and turbid with suspended silt due to intense erosion of the deforested hills that surround the lake. The lake is fed by the Sasomanga and Sahabe rivers in the south, and by the Sahamaloto and Anony rivers in the north-west. The only drainage river, the Maningory, flows out of the north-eastern part of the lake. The lake-bottom sediments consist of thick layers of sand, black mud and grey clay. Natural, permanent marshes occur along the lake margin, especially in the southern part of the site. The largest are located to the south and east of the Antanamalaza peninsula and in the part drained by the Maningory. There are also wet grasslands. The lake vegetation was formerly dominated by water-lilies Nymphaea, but these have decreased in extent due to competition with non-native water-hyacinth Eichhornia and water-fern Salvinia. In the marshes, sedges Cyperus and reeds Phragmites dominate. Secondary savanna covers the surrounding hills. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty species are known from the site, of which 13 are endemic to Madagascar. Lake Alaotra is an exceptional site for waterbirds. It formerly held two highly threatened endemic species, which were probably confined to the lake, but which may now be extinct: Tachybaptus rufolavatus and Aythya innotata. The former was last recorded in 1985 and the latter in 1991. Furthermore, the flocks of Anas melleri that occur on the lake constitute the largest congregations known for this species, and Ardea humbloti also occurs regularly (in its only eastern site), though it is not proven to have bred. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Hapalemur griseus alaotrensis (CR). Carnivore: Salanoia concolor (VU). | |
| Zahamena National Park | Zahamena National Park is located 40 km north-east of Ambatondrazaka and 4 km from Manakambahiny-East. The terrain is very undulating, with several steep-sided valleys. The park is in two areas, west and east, partially separated by a large enclave which includes several villages. The valleys are drained by rivers, the most important of which are the Sahatavy and its tributary, the Sarondrina. A network of rivers in the north-west of the park flows into Lake Alaotra. At low altitudes the dense, humid evergreen forest has a canopy 15–20 m high and 25-m-high emergents, typically with trees of Tambourissa, Weinmannia, Diospyros, Ravensara and Dalbergia. The shrub layer is dominated by tree-ferns Cyathea and screw-pines Pandanus. There are also areas of secondary forest. The dense, humid evergreen forest extends to mid-altitudes, above which there is dense, sclerophyllous montane forest. The forest on the slopes has a denser shrub and ground layer, dominated by herbs (Impatiens, Begonia) and ferns Polystichum. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. A total of 109 species are known from the site, of which 67 are endemic to Madagascar. The only species characteristic of humid forest that is not yet known from the site is Crossleyia xanthophrys. The park is therefore the protected area with the largest number of endemic bird species in Madagascar. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Allocebus trichotis (CR), Phaner furcifer (nt), Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Varecia variegata (EN), Indri indri (EN), Propithecus diadema diadema (EN), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivores: Galidictis fasciata (VU), Salanoia concolor (VU), Cryptoprocta ferox (VU), Eupleres goudotii (EN), Fossa fossana (VU). Reptile: Boa manditra (VU). | |
| Betampona Strict Nature Reserve | The site lies 35 km north-west of Toamasina and 4.5 km from Fontsimavo, being situated on a rocky foothill overlooking the coastal plain. It comprises a series of mountainous peaks with steep slopes. Small seasonal tributaries of the Ivoloina river cross the reserve, which is covered by low-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest, typically with trees of Dalbergia, Ilex, Tambourissa and Canarium, and tree-ferns Cyathea. Screw-pines Pandanus, tree lianas and bamboo-lianas Nastus are abundant. Secondary woodlands and thickets (in degraded areas of forest) cover 30–35% of the site, and are dominated by fast-growing species such as traveller’s palm Ravenala, bushes of Solanum and Lantana, and wild ginger Aframomum. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Seventy-seven species are known from the site, of which 51 are endemic to Madagascar. Four of the species are confined mainly to the north-eastern forests of Madagascar: Coua serriana, Brachypteracias squamigera, Oriolia bernieri and Euryceros prevostii. All species of Coua characteristic of humid forest are present. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Varecia variegata variegata (EN), Indri indri (EN), Propithecus diadema diadema (EN), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivore: Fossa fossana (VU). | |
| Mangerivola Special Reserve | The site lies west of Toamasina and south of Fito, with mid-altitude mountainous massifs rising to 1,500 m. Three permanent and fast-flowing rivers run across the reserve - the Sanalaotra, Marongolo and Ranomena—and include some waterfalls. The forest in the southern and western parts is not easily accessible, as it is on very steep terrain. The vegetation is composed of low- and mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest. Low-altitude forest is characterized by canopy trees of Sarcolaenaceae, Myristicaceae and Anthostema, and mid-altitude forest by trees of Burseraceae, Myrtaceae, Monimiaceae, Ebenaceae and Cunoniaceae. Some parts are covered by mosaics of old secondary forest. The watersheds, especially in the northern and north-eastern parts, have been cleared of forest recently, and are (in some places) covered by secondary forest, dominated by Harungana and traveller’s palm Ravenala. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Seventy-eight species are known from the site, of which 49 are endemic to Madagascar. Two of the species are restricted to the north-eastern forests of Madagascar: Coua serriana and Oriolia bernieri. Little is known of the site’s avifauna. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Varecia variegata variegata (EN), Indri indri (EN). Carnivore: Fossa fossana (VU). | |
| Didy and Ivondro wetlands | Didy and Ivondro wetlands are located 35 km south-east of Ambatondrazaka, with the villages of Manakambahiny and Sorantelo lying to the north, Ambodinonoka to the south, Didy to the east and Ambohimanjaka to the west. The site is composed of a large natural marsh linked to small lakes and pools, and of the Ivondro river. The marsh vegetation is dominated by sedges (Cyperaceae) and grasses (Gramineae) no more than 1 m high. Its water being acid, the marsh has relatively poor fish-stocks, and fishing is not a significant human activity there. The Ivondro river flows eastwards across the southern part of the site, towards Didy Forest (which lies south-east of the marsh and is a mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest). | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixteen species are known from the site, of which four are endemic to Madagascar. Gallinago macrodactyla seems particularly common in the marsh. The Ivondro river is one of the few known breeding sites for Anas melleri. | |
| Sihanaka Forest | This vast site is located 48 km north-east of Ambatondrazaka, in the forest corridor between Mantadia and Zahamena National Parks. Within the site are four Classified Forests: Iofa, Didy, Andriantantely and Sandranantitra. Andriantantely is covered in low-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest, while the other three are mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest.The terrain is undulating, with mid-altitude mountainous massifs. The main rivers flowing through the site are the Namolazana, Ivondro, Vokovoko, Taheza and Rianila. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty-two species are known from the site, of which 53 are endemic to Madagascar. This site, especially the forest around Didy and Rogez, was much frequented by the first ornithological explorers of Madagascar, in the 1800s. Recent inventories show that it still holds most of the species previously recorded. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Indri indri (EN), Propithecus diadema diadema (EN), Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Varecia variegata variegata (EN), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Bat: Myzopoda aurita (VU). Carnivores: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU), Fossa fossana (VU). Reptiles: Boa manditra (VU), B. madagascariensis (VU). Butterfly: Papilio mangoura (VU). | |
| North Pangalanes wetlands | The site is located 65 km south of Toamasina and 30 km north of Ambila-Lemaitso, on the east coast of Madagascar. It comprises the stretch of the Pangalanes Canal between Ambila-Lemaitso and Tampina, as well as lakes (including Lakes Rasoabe, Rasoamasay, Loakangady and Filomo) and scattered forests. The aquatic vegetation in the canal and lakes includes Cyperus and (rarely) water-lilies Nymphaea and Najas. Islets and banks at the water-margins are covered by Typhonodorum, Carex, Cyperus, Pandanus, Fimbristylis, Melaleuca and Scirpus. On dry land, there are littoral or low-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forests, as well as plantations of Casuarina, Cocos, Eucalyptus, Raphia and Musa. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Forty-five species are known from the site, of which 13 are endemic to Madagascar. In one recent visit, a few Anas melleri and a significant congregation of Glareola ocularis were noted. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). | |
| Torotorofotsy wetlands | Torotorofotsy is the largest and most intact natural marsh in eastern Madagascar. It is located c.7 km north-west of Andasibe, being delimited in the west by the Angavo river and in the east by the Betsimisaraka escarpment. The marsh lies in a basin, elongated along a north-east–south-west axis, and has an indented boundary. It is surrounded by convex hills, with three isolated hillocks in its centre. The Sahaparasy river flows across the marsh. Seventy percent of the site’s area is covered by marshy grassland, with permanently waterlogged and peaty soils in the basin, dominated by spike-rushes Eleocharis (80 cm to 1 m high), ferns Osmunda, sedges Cyperus and lianoid sedges Scleria (2–3 m high). At the basin overflow and along the western edge there is marshy forest, with abundant screw-pines Pandanus, palms Vonitra and Voacanga trees, while the whole marsh is surrounded by degraded humid evergreen forest (dominated by secondary species such as Harungana and Dichaetanthera) and wooded savanna. The marsh has poor fish-stocks (the water being relatively acid and nutrient-poor), and fishing is not a significant activity. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixty-nine species are known from the site, of which 33 are endemic to Madagascar. Torotorofotsy is one of the two sites currently known for Sarothrura watersi, and Anas melleri probably breeds at the site. | |
| Mantadia National Park and Analamazaotra Special Reserve | The terrain consists of robust hills and mountain ridges, with many valleys and rivers. Maromizaha Forest is more mountainous than the other two areas. Dense, humid evergreen forest covers the site, with the canopy frequently higher than 25 m at lower altitudes (although forest strata are rather indistinct). There are small marshes in valley floors. The Sahatandra and Amboasary rivers flow through Analamazaotra Special Reserve, and the former also supplies a fish-breeding station. About 50 years ago, the forest was selectively logged for timber. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. One hundred and thirteen species are known from the site, of which 68 are endemic to Madagascar, including particularly rare species such as Tyto soumagnei and Eutriorchis astur. In Maromizaha, montane species that are rare at the two other sites, such as Atelornis crossleyi, are also found. Xenopirostris polleni occurs in very small numbers. Anas melleri is a rare visitor to wetland areas. Mesitornis unicolor may occur in the area, although this still requires confirmation. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Varecia variegata (EN), Indri indri (EN), Propithecus diadema diadema (EN), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN), Eulemur rubriventer (VU). Carnivores: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU), Eupleres goudotii (EN). Amphibian: Mantella aurantica (VU). Reptile: Boa manditra (VU). | |
| Ankeniheny Classified Forest | The site lies 25 km south of Moramanga and has a perimeter of 105 km. The topography shows east–west folding. Several rivers rise in the forest, such as the Ihofika in the east and the Fanjalava and Manampotsy in the west, and many small streams flow through it. Most of the site (14,000 ha) comprises mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest, dominated by trees of Syzygium, Symphonia and Canarium. The remaining area (12,500 ha) is covered by secondary woodland (dominated by Albizia), savanna, fallow and cultivated land. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Seventy-four species are known from the site, of which 46 are endemic to Madagascar. Newtonia fanovanae is only known elsewhere from a small number of low-altitude sites, and is present here at the upper limit of its altitidinal range. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Indri indri (EN), Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Varecia variegata variegata (EN). Carnivore: Fossa fossana (VU). | |
| Onive Classified Forest | The site is located 18 km south-east of Tsinjoarivo. Its rugged terrain of high, rounded hills is furrowed by narrow valleys. The Onive river flows through the southern part of the site. The mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest has a canopy 10–15 m high, dominated by trees of Deinbollia, Dombeya, Ocotea, Tambourissa, Nuxia and Weinmannia. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Seventy-one species are known from the site, of which 44 are endemic to Madagascar. The bird community is characteristic of mid-altitude humid forest. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Varecia variegata variegata (EN), Propithecus diadema diadema (EN). Carnivores: Fossa fossana (VU), Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Anjozorobe Forest | The Anjozorobe forest is part of a branch of the eastern rainforest that runs along the Angavo scarp. The forest lies on metamorphic rock, and the terrain is mountainous and deeply dissected, with steep eroded slopes. The Mananara river, a tributary of the Betsiboka, flows across the western part of the site, which is also crossed by other rivers such as the Sahavila. The main vegetation is mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest. Typical tree genera in the canopy are Canarium, Dilobeia, Diospyros, Eugenia, Protorhus, Sloanea, Schefflera, Tambourissa and Weinmannia. The mid-stratum includes trees/shrubs (Croton, Oncostemum, Vernonia), tree-ferns Cyathea and screw-pines Pandanus. Palms are relatively rare. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty species are known from the site, of which 50 are endemic to Madagascar. Most of the species that are restricted to humid forest can be found. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Propithecus diadema diadema (EN). | |
| Lake Itasy | Lake Itasy is located 10 km south-east of Analavory and 25 km north-west of Soavinandriana. It is a freshwater crater-lake with marshy areas in its southern and eastern parts, lying within a steep-sloped volcanic massif. It is permanent, with seasonal variations in the water-level, having an average depth of 4 m but reaching up to 10 m at its centre. The Andranomena and Mariandrano rivers feed the lake in the east, while the Lily river flows out of the lake. The lake receives a lot of sediment from the rivers and from the eroded adjacent slopes. There is marginal vegetation of reedbeds Phragmites and clumps of Cyperus (up to 2 m), and floating mats of the non-native water-hyacinth Eichhornia. Submerged plants include Ceratophyllum and Potamogeton. Near the middle of the lake, there is dense vegetation of various very tall aquatic plants. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Forty-four species are known from the lake, of which 10 are endemic to Madagascar. The dense vegetation near the middle of the lake is a refuge for herons (Ardeidae) and rails (Rallidae). A locally resident population of Anas melleri is probably of national importance. Ardea humbloti is infrequently recorded. | |
| Wetlands of the Tsiribihina delta and upper Tsiribihina river | The site is located 35 km west of Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. The Tsiribihina delta includes the shoreline, sandbanks, lagoons, coastal mudflats, mangrove forest, saltflats, and areas of marsh and of dry land. The mangrove is 2–4 m high, and dominated by trees of Avicennia, Rhizophora, Ceriops, Bruguiera and Sonneratia. The saltflats often flood during the rainy season. The marshy areas are dominated by sedge Cyperus, reed Phragmites and non-native water-hyacinth Eichhornia, while the dry land is covered in savanna, with palms. The wetlands of the upper Tsiribihina river include the neighbouring lakes, and the Sahajilo and Mania rivers. Lake Kimanomby, west of Ambohibary village, is surrounded by dense, dry deciduous forest (Ambovondambo Forest to the west, Marotapia Forest to the east). There is no floating vegetation, but the margins are covered by Eichhornia. Lake Masoarivo, west of Masoarivo village, is small, shallow and red due to muddy sediments. Lake Hima has floating vegetation and is surrounded by fishermen’s camps. In the Tsiribihina valley, between the towns of Miandrivazo and Malaimbandy, there are several lakes and a vast area of marshes, dominated by sedge Cyperus and reed Phragmites. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty-two species have been recorded, of which 22 are endemic to Madagascar. There are a few pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides, including at least one in the upper valley of the Tsiribihina, and Anas bernieri breed in the mangroves. There are large congregations of Glareola ocularis on the banks of the Tsiribihina, and one of the most significant congregations of Thalassornis leuconotus insularis in Madagascar can be found in Masoarivo. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Propithecus verreauxi deckeni (VU), P. verreauxi coronatus (CR). Reptile: Boa madagascariensis (VU). | |
| Menabe Forest complex | The site lies on the Menabe coastal plain, between the Andranomena and Tsiribihina rivers, 30 km north of Morondava. It includes Amborompotsy (Kirindy) Forest, Andranomena Special Reserve, Analabe Private Reserve and Ampataka Classified Forest. It is delimited in the west by mangroves, and, in the east, by the Bongolava plateau. Several seasonal watercourses cross the forest, flowing during the wet season. There are also small seasonal lakes, mostly in the southern part of the site. Amborompotsy is a dense, dry deciduous forest, 12–15 m high on average, and dominated by trees of Adansonia (up to 20 m), Commiphora, Securinega, Poupartia, Baudounia, Dalbergia and Cedrelopsis. The ground layer (1–5 m high) is very dense, with most woody species being evergreen. Andranomena Forest, 15 km south-west of Amborompotsy, is similar in structure and plant-species composition, with, however, a more pronounced abundance of certain taxa, e.g. Euphorbia and Givotia. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Large numbers of waterbirds occur in the area. It is one of the six sites known for Mesitornis variegata. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Mirza coquereli (VU), Phaner furcifer pallescens (VU), Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU). Carnivores: Mungotictis decemlineata decemlineata (VU), Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). Rodent: Hypogeomys antimena (EN). Reptiles: Pyxis planicauda (EN), Furcifer labordi (VU), Boa dumerili (VU). | |
| Kirindy Mite National Park and extension | This site consists of two forests, Kirindy-South Forest and Mite Forest, which are located respectively close to, and 17 km from, Marofihitse. The forests are situated in the Menabe region, a coastal plain of mainly sandy soils. The Kirindy river flows across the south of Kirindy Forest, while the Lampaolo river runs through Mite Forest. The dense, dry deciduous forest is dominated by trees of Adansonia, Cedrelopsis, Commiphora, Givotia, Delonix, Baudouinia, Dalbergia, Strychnos and Tamarindus. Bushes of Didierea and Euphorbia occur near the coast. There are also vast saltflats on the coast. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Several bird species characteristic of dry forest occur, as do several characteristic of spiny forest. Good numbers of Phoenicopterus ruber and Anas bernieri occur seasonally on the coastal saltflats. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Lemur catta (VU), Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU). Carnivore: Mungotictis decemlineata (VU; probably M. d. lineata). | |
| Lake Ihotry - Mangoky Delta Complex | This complex is located 30 km north-east of Morombe, and comprises Lake Ihotry, the Mangoky river and delta, and associated riverine marshes near the Ankiliabo–Nosy Ambositra road. The lake is brackish and c.3 m deep. Its area varies seasonally, from 960 ha up to 11,200 ha, and it is only sparsely vegetated, with some reed Phragmites, sedge Cyperus and water-lily Nymphaea. Mangrove, dominated by Rhizophora and Avicennia, occurs all along the delta coast, from Mangolovolo to Andranopasy. The marsh vegetation consists mainly of Cyperus, reed-mace Typha, Typhonodorum, Phragmites and Nymphaea. Near the wetlands, on sandy soil, there is dry deciduous forest, dominated by Didiereaceae and Euphorbiaceae, as well as sub-arid spiny bushland, and savanna with occasional trees of Tamarindus and Zizyphus. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. One hundred and six species are known from this site, of which 23 are endemic to Madagascar. Amaurornis olivieri was found in the marsh of Nosy Ambositra in 1960, but has not been recorded since then. Lake Ihotry is an exceptional site for foraging and roosting waterbirds, notably during the northern winter. During the dry season, muddy areas attract large numbers of waders, and the site is also a dry-season refuge for waterbirds that use the seasonal wetlands between Morombe and Toliara. Significant numbers of Phoenicopterus ruber and Tachybaptus ruficollis have been observed, and also large numbers of other birds, such as Anas erythrorhyncha and Tringa nebularia. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Lemur catta (VU), Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Mangoky-Ankazoabo Complex | The site is centred on the lower Mangoky river, 30 km south of Manja. Hills and mountains alternate with more or less flat areas. The main rivers in the area are the Mangoky, Sakanavaka and Sakavoay. The vegetation is composed of dense, dry deciduous forest, degraded in parts, and the most common trees are baobabs Adansonia. Areas of savanna also occur, sometimes with scattered trees of Sclerocarya, Stereospermum, Celastrus, Tamarindus, and palms Bismarckia. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixty-one species are known from the site, of which 40 are endemic to Madagascar. Ankazoabo Forest holds of the species that are characteristic of spiny forest. A species of Monticola found in the Mangoky canyons is not certainly identified but could be Monticola bensoni. Species of global conservation concern include Tachybaptus pelzelnii, Ardeola idae, Lophotibis cristata, Accipiter madagascariensis and Accipiter henstii. | |
| Mikea Forest | This site is located on an undulating littoral plain, west of the Morombe - Toliara road. It is delimited in the east by the foothills of the Mikoboka-South calcareous plateau. The soil is sandy, with dunes in some areas. Lake Andranobe is semi-permanent. The native vegetation of xerophilous bushland (up to 12 m high) is dominated by Didierea, Euphorbia, Aloe, Adansonia, Albizia, Tamarindus and Givotia. The bushland in the northern area is very degraded near Lake Ihotry and is bisected by a belt of savanna in the west. Towards the coast, the vegetation is lower and bushier, and, in the central area, there is dry deciduous forest, similar in structure to the forest north of Mangoky. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Ninety-eight species are known from the site, of which 40 are endemic to Madagascar. Monias benschi and Uratelornis chimaera do not occur in any other IBAs. Monias benschi is found mainly in the densest bushland, and Uratelornis chimaera in the most open bushland. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Lemur catta (VU), Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU). Reptiles: Geochelone radiata (VU), Pyxis arachnoides (VU), Phelsuma standingi (VU), Boa dumerili (VU). | |
| Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park | This site lies c.10 km from Sakaraha and 130 km from Tulear, and consists of the Zombitse, Vohibasia and Isoky-Vohimena Forests, which cover a gently undulating terrain of dome-shaped sandstone hills. The Isalo massif lies to the east, and a calcareous plateau (820 m high) to the west—both are oriented north–south. The soil is sandy. The Fiherenana and Teheza rivers, tributaries of the Onilahy, rise within the Zombitse and Vohibasia Forests. The vegetation consists of dense deciduous forest and xerophilous bushland, dominated by Securinega, Malleastrum, Carissa and Teclea, with some emergents, such as Commiphora and Brachylaena. The xerophilous bushland is characterized by species of Euphorbia, Adansonia and Dialium. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Ninety species are known from this site, of which 38 are endemic to Madagascar. One of the endemic species, Phyllastrephus apperti, is known only from the forests of Zombitse and Analavelona. Two species, Thamnornis chloropetoides and Nesillas lantzii, are characteristic of spiny forest. Monticola bensoni is recorded here seasonally. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Mirza coquereli (VU), Phaner furcifer pallescens (VU), Lemur catta (VU), Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). Bats: Scotophilus robustus (nt), Mormopterus jugularis (VU). Reptile: Phelsuma standingi (VU). | |
| Analavelona Forest | Analavelona Forest is located west-north-west of Sakaraha. It lies on a vast peneplain oriented north–south, with indented flanks, steep slopes and steep-sided valleys. Springs in the forest feed rivers such as the Fiherenana, which flows in the south-east. Variations in soil composition, altitude and topography have engendered a diverse vegetation, with well-stratified, dense, humid evergreen forest in the lowlands (rich in lianas), dense sclerophyllous montane forest (with an open understorey) on the slopes, plateau and some peaks, and xerophilous bushland on rocky outcrops. The forest is characterized by the presence of tall trees, such as Uapaca and Dalbergia. Strangler-figs are abundant, and Dracaena and Aloe also occur. Grassland covers the open areas and sides of the massif. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixty-one species are known from this site, of which 29 are endemic to Madagascar. The humid nature of the forest explains the presence of three species characteristic of the East Malagasy biome: Neomixis viridis, Foudia omissa and Phyllastrephus zosterops. The abundance of Phyllastrephus apperti is also interesting: this species is only found elsewhere in the Zombitse complex, 50 km to the south-east. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Saint Augustin Forest | This site is located on the northern bank of the Onilahy river, about 20 km south of Tulear. It is bordered in the west by rocky banks and humid sands and has a rugged micro-relief. A tributary of the Onilahy rises within the forest. The vegetation is composed of xerophilous bushland, dominated by Euphorbiaceae, with an open canopy (up to 4–5 m high). | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Calicalicus rufocarpalis, a recently described species, is known only from this site and from the Mahafaly Plateau Forest complex. | |
| Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve | This site is located 17 km from Betioky, on the Mahafaly plateau, and is divided into two parcels, covering 80 ha (Parcel 1) and 520 ha (Parcel 2) respectively. It lies in a large valley, with flat lowlands and gentle slopes. The soil is generally sandy. The Sakamena river, a seasonal tributary of the Onilahy, flows along the boundary of the reserve. The vegetation comprises riparian forest and xerophilous bushland. Riparian forest, found mainly in Parcel 1, is dominated by trees of Tamarindus, Acacia, Quivisianthe and Albizia in the upper layer, by small trees and shrubs of Crateva, Azima, Antidesma and Euphorbia in the mid-stratum, and by Tarenna, Byttneria and Greslania in the ground layer. Xerophilous bushland, found mainly in Parcel 2, is dominated by Alluaudia, Cedrelopsis and Grewia in the upper layer, and by Commiphora, Euphorbia, Gyrocarpus, Pachypodium and Aloe in the lower layer. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Sixty-one species are known from this site, of which 27 are endemic to Madagascar. Species of global conservation concern include Accipiter madagascariensis. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur catta (VU), Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). Reptile: Boa dumerili (VU). | |
| Tsimanampetsotsa National Park and extension | This site lies on the Mahafaly karst plateau, 180 km south-west of Betioky-Sud and 75 km south of Tulear. It consists of a lake and a bushland area on a sandy plain, 20 km long and 3 km wide on average, c.7 km inland of the Mozambique Channel, and a large area of stunted spiny forest on the calcareous plateau inland. Lake Tsimanampetsotsa is shallow and has a milky colour, being the only soda-saturated lake in Madagascar. A cliff, c.100 m high, rises 1–2 km from the eastern bank of the lake. Swallow-holes on the plateau hold small lakes, from which small freshwater streams issue after rainfall. Near Lake Tsimanampetsotsa, in some areas, the water is more brackish. Torrents of less brackish water flow through underground caves. Trees between the lake and the cliff can be up to 12 m high, but the vegetation of the western part of the site, between the lake and the sea, is lower, being covered in xerophilous bushland (up to 2.2 m high), and characterized by species of Cassia, Ficus, Pluchea, Erythroxylum, Cedrelopsis, Delonix, Acacia, Albizia, Maytenus, Euphorbia and Berchemia. Some Casuarina have been planted on the eastern bank of the lake. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty-eight species are known from this site, of which 35 are endemic to Madagascar. Tsimanampetsotsa and Baly Bay are the only protected areas that hold Charadrius thoracicus. Anas bernieri has been recorded once at the lake. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Lemur catta (VU), Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU), Carnivore: Galidictis grandidieri (EN; only found in this reserve). Reptiles: Pyxis arachnoides (VU), Geochelone radiata (VU). Fish: Typhleotris madagascariensis (VU; a blind fish of underground caves). | |
| Mahafaly Plateau Forest complex | This site includes the Hatokaliotse and Linta Forests, located 140 km south of Tulear and 77 km west of Ejeda. A plateau of eroded karst, it is delimited to the west by a north–south-running escarpment, with cliffs and steep slopes. There are no permanent rivers, but freshwater sources occur in the swallow-holes that are scattered across the plateau. Linta Forest comprises two forest blocks, Antsihanaka and Sambatio. The vegetation is composed of xerophilous bushland (2–5 m high, with emergents up to 10 m high), dominated by Didierea, Alluaudia and Euphorbia, with a very dense understorey, often difficult to access. Cedrelopsis trees are found mainly in the forest along the bottom of the cliff, and there are also plantations of non-native prickly-pear cactus Opuntia. The eastern and north-eastern areas of the Antsihanaka Forest are less rich in Didiereaceae and the canopy is no higher than 2 m. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Fifty-eight species are known from this complex, of which 31 are endemic to Madagascar. The site is the southern limit known for the distribution of Calicalicus rufocarpalis, a species described in 1997. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Lemur catta (VU). Reptiles: Geochelone radiata (VU), Pyxis arachnoides (VU). | |
| Andohahela National Park - Parcel I | Parcel I of Andohahela National Park is located 84 km north-east of Fort-Dauphin. It includes a portion of the mountainous massif of Beampingaratra, oriented north-south, and five peaks above 1,500 m. The main river rising in the parcel is the Mandrare, augmented by the waters from its two tributaries, the Mananara and the Manambolo. In the east, the Manampanihy and Andriambe rivers flow respectively towards the north-east and the south-east. The vegetation is composed of low- and mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest, dominated by trees of Tambourissa, Symphonia and Dalbergia, although the steep slopes are dominated by Lauraceae, Compositae, Rubiaceae and Convolvulaceae. Tree-ferns and orchids are common, and epiphytic cacti Rhipsalis also occur. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty-seven species are known from the site, of which 57 are endemic to Madagascar. The site is the southern limit of the distribution of several species, in particular those which are characteristic of mountain forest. The site holds four species of ground-roller (Brachypteraciidae), two species of Neodrepanis, Randia pseudozosterops, Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi, nine species of vanga (Vangidae) and Newtonia fanovanae. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur fulvus collaris (VU), Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU). Carnivores: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU), Fossa fossana (VU), Galidictis fasciata (VU), Eupleres goudotii (EN). | |
| Tsitongambarika New Protected Area. This is an IBA in danger! | This site is located 9 km north of Fort-Dauphin, and includes Manantantely Forest (to the south of the Classified Forest) and the forest located between Bemangidy and Enanafia (to the north). The site is part of the Tsitongambarika massif, which is composed of a series of ridges that are aligned from north-east to south-west. The Manampanihy river flows northwards along the western boundary of the site. The vegetation is composed of low- and mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest and sclerophyllous montane forest. At low altitudes, it is dominated by trees of Sorindeia, Ilex, Tambourissa, Oncostemum, Syzygium and Dracaena, with a canopy 15–25 m high. At mid-altitudes, trees of Macaranga and Oncostemon, as well as species of Moraceae, Myrtaceae, Guttiferae and Monimiaceae, are dominant, with a canopy 12–20 m high. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Thirty-seven species are known from this site, of which 22 are endemic to Madagascar. The population of Mesitornis unicolor seems to be quite dense in some lowland areas. The taxon Hypositta perdita was described on the basis of a specimen from this area, and it is possible that it can still be found there, if the taxon is valid. Coua gigas, a species characteristic of the West Malagasy biome, is also found at this site. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Eulemur fulvus collaris (VU). | |
| Andohahela National Park - Parcel II | Parcel II of Andohahela National Park is located 52 km from Ambovombe, south of the Mananara river. It extends over a calcareous plateau, with a series of undulating hills that peak at 1,006 m (Vohidagoro). On the plateau, the vegetation is composed of xerophilous bushland of Didiereaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Leguminosae and Crassulaceae. Higher areas are dominated by dwarf Aloe, with Pachypodium on the highest areas. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty-three species are known from this site, of which 31 are endemic to Madagascar. Although Parcels I and II are only separated by a few kilometres, their bird faunas are quite different. Andohahela is the only protected area in Madagascar which contains a contact area between two biogeographical regions: humid forest (confined to Parcel I) and spiny forest (Parcel II). Interesting endemic species include Falco zoniventris, four species of Coua, Newtonia archboldi and six species of vanga (Vangidae). Species of global conservation concern include Ardeola idae. Non-bird biodiversity: Plant: Alluaudia ascendens is endemic to the Mandrare region. Lemurs: Lemur catta (VU), Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU), Phaner furcifer (probably P. f. pallescens) (VU). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). | |
| Menarandra Forest/Vohindefo NPA | This forest is part of the Karimbola plateau, and lies on the banks of the Menarandra river, 40 km south of Ampanihy. The hilly terrain is bordered by an alluvial (clay) plain and old sand-dunes. The vegetation of xerophilous bushland is dominated by Didiereaceae (notably Alluaudia) and Euphorbiaceae, with a canopy no higher than 6 m. There are isolated trees (the remnants of a degraded riparian forest), as well as alluvial vegetation, mainly composed of Tamarindus, Ficus, Cedrelopsis and Flacourtia. The bushland is, in some places, replaced by grassland with some woody species, including Commiphora, Phyllanthus, Harpagophytum, Adansonia (in the middle of Alluaudia thickets), and Euphorbia. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. There is a particular abundance of species characteristic of Euphorbia bushland, such as Coua verreauxi and Monticola imerinus. Species of global conservation concern include Circus maillardi and Coua verreauxi. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU). Reptiles: Geochelone radiata (VU), Pyxis arachnoides (VU). | |
| Lakes Anony and Erombo | The two lakes are located on the southern coast of Madagascar, in the lower Mandrare valley, c.75 km from Fort-Dauphin. Lake Anony is brackish and tidal, being linked to the sea by a channel. Lake Erombo is shallow and dries up outside the rainy season. The surrounding vegetation is xerophilous bushland, which is dense on the northern and eastern banks of Lake Anony, with a canopy 4.5 m high dominated by Didierea and Alluaudia. In the west, between Anivorano and Antsavelo villages, the bush lies on old dunes, dominated by succulent bushes Euphorbia. Some baobabs Adansonia and Salvadora scrub also occur, and there is a vast industrial plantation of sisal Agave near the lake. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. During the rainy season, Lake Erombo holds large numbers of waterbirds. Clumps of Euphorbia are the favourite habitat of Monticola imerinus. This is the only site in the region that is known to hold Tachybaptus pelzelnii. The bushland is a foraging area for forest birds. Many migratory Palearctic species have been recorded at the site. | |
| Cape Sainte Marie Special Reserve | This site, also called Cape Vohimena, is located 60 km south-west of Tsihombe. It is the southernmost headland in Madagascar, lying on a calcareous plateau. Soils are sandy. Steep cliffs delimit the southern and western boundaries of the site. There are no permanent watercourses in the area, only small, temporary streams that flow to the sea following rare heavy rain. Wind-stunted xerophilous bushland (up to 1.2 m) covers c.90% of the site. The most common woody species are Commiphora and Salvadora, with local species of Aloe and Megistostegium also present. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Thirty-six species are known from this site, of which 18 are endemic to Madagascar. There is a large population of Coua verreauxi at the site. Non-bird biodiversity: Reptile: Geochelone radiata (VU); a very large population occurs in the reserve. | |
| Zafimaniry Forest | This site is located south-east of Ambositra, on the eastern escarpment, and generally consists of a very undulating plateau, descending towards the east. Two tributaries of the Mananjary river flow through the forest - the Maintinandry and the Ambinanindrano. These are fast-flowing, permanent rivers with waterfalls, which can be as high as 60 m. The mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest is dominated by Dalbergia, Weinmannia and Symphonia. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Fifty-six species are known from the site, of which 35 are endemic to Madagascar. The bird community is typical of humid forest. Species of global conservation concern include Lophotibis cristata, Atelornis pittoides, Phyllastrephus cinereiceps, Crossleyia xanthophrys, Dromaeocercus brunneus and Pseudobias wardi. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Propithecus diadema edwardsi (EN). | |
| Ranomafana National Park and extension | Ranomafana National Park is located 45 km north-east of Fianarantsoa. The forested terrain comprises a succession of hills and summits, separated by narrow valleys and lowlands. The Namorona river flows across the park. Three types of forest are present: the low- and mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest and the sclerophyllous montane forest. Marshes have formed on the sites of former rice-fields; the IBA includes c.100 ha of marsh outside the park. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. One hundred and thirteen species are known from the area of the site, of which 64 are endemic to Madagascar. The majority of species of mid- and high altitudes are present. Some lowland species known from elsewhere are absent; it is unclear if others occur within or just outside the park. Xenopirostris polleni and Mesitornis unicolor, scarce and patchy elsewhere in Madagascar, seem to be reasonably common. Several marshland species, including Sarothrura watersi and Anas melleri, occur just outside the National Park, and this area is included within the IBA. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur rubriventer (VU), Hapalemur aureus (CR), H. simus (CR), Varecia variegata variegata (EN), Propithecus diadema edwardsi (EN), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivores: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU), Fossa fossana (VU), Galidictis fasciata (VU). | |
| Andringitra National Park | Andringitra National Park is located 35 km south of Ambalavao. This mountainous, high-altitude massif comprises a series of rocky domes and a chain of outcrops with narrow crests which form numerous pinnacles, divided by deep, narrow valleys and gorges. The climate is hot and humid in the eastern low-altitude part, and temperate and humid in the higher western part. A highly developed hydrographic system drains the massif: the main rivers are the Zomandao, Menarahaka, Iatara and Rienana. Park vegetation includes low-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest (with Sloanea as an emergent), mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest (characterized by trees of Podocarpus, Weinmannia, screw-pines Pandanus, tree-ferns Cyathea, as well as Compositae in the higher part, and Vaccinium in the lower parts), and dense sclerophyllous montane forest characterized by trees of Podocarpus, Araliaceae, Compositae, Erythroxylaceae and Verbenaceae. On the bare, open rock of the summits, the vegetation includes species of Philippia, Aloe, Pachypodium, Liliaceae and Kalanchoe, with a high level of local endemicity. There are some areas of savanna around the two highest summits, Pic Boby and Pic Bory, which are rich in terrestrial orchids, including Cynorkis, Habenaria and Disa. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. One hundred and twelve species are known from the site, of which 65 are endemic to Madagascar. The forest species present are largely those of middle and higher altitudes; several lowland species are missing. A population of rock thrushes Monticola in the summit zone is possibly referable to M. bensoni. Ploceus sakalava, a species characteristic of the West Malagasy biome, occurs on the western slopes of the massif. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur fulvus albocollaris (EN), E. rubriventer (VU), Hapalemur aureus (CR), H. simus (CR), Lemur catta (VU), Varecia variegata variegata (VU), Propithecus diadema edwardsi (EN), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). Carnivores: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU), Fossa fossana (VU). | |
| Isalo National Park | It consists of a large sandstone massif, with a peculiar ruinlike aspect, that rises out of a plain. This chain of outcrops includes deeply eroded canyons, the most famous of which are Monkey Canyon and Rat Canyon. The hydrographic network is composed of clear, fast-flowing streams, which drain into the tributaries of the Menamaty in the east, and into those of the Mangoky and Malio in the west. There are also marshes, such as at Andranovorinkaolo, as well as lakes, such as the Golden Lake, whose flora includes Polygonum, Echinochloa, Panicum and Cyperus. Forest covers 10% of the park’s area, and comprises three types. The dense, dry deciduous forest, mainly composed of Commiphora and Dalbergia, is relatively degraded. Gallery forest is dominated by Eugenia, Tamarindus and Mangifera—one area of this type, Andranofotsy, in the north of the park, has an area of 240 ha. Low- and mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest occurs in the shelter of canyons and is composed of Voacanga, Nuxia, Weinmannia and Tambourissa. The understorey is composed of thick clumps of ferns Blechnum. The vegetation on open areas of bare rock includes species of Pachypodium, Kalanchoe, Senecio, Aloe, Helichrysum and Euphorbia. Wooded savanna covers 40% of the site’s area, and includes trees of Stereospermum, Albizia, Borassus, Pemphis and Dicoma. Open savanna, with or without scattered palms (of Bismarckia and Hyphaene) is more common. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty-one species are known from the site, of which 27 are endemic to Madagascar. The range of Monticola bensoni is restricted to the Isalo–Zombitse Vohibasia region, including Analavelona and possibly the Mangoky canyons. It appears to have a rather patchy distribution within the park, being absent from large areas in the centre. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Mirza coquereli (VU), Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (VU), Lemur catta (VU). | |
| Vondrozo Classified Forest | Vondrozo Classified Forest is located about 5 km west of Vondrozo. The forest is part of the still-continuous corridor between Andringitra and Midongy du Sud, and is generally of lowland forest. The terrain is fairly flat and uniform with some low hills. The site is drained by small, permanent tributaries of the Manapatrana river in the north and by tributaries of the Mananara in the south. The low-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest is nearly intact, with a canopy 15–20 m high, dominated by species of Dalbergia, Ocotea, Weinmannia, Uapaca, Canarium, Eugenia and Diospyros. The understorey is not dense and allows easy access to the forest interior, except near the marshes. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Eighty-five species are known from the site, of which 50 are endemic to Madagascar. Rand (1936) mentions a record of Oriolia bernieri from a site in south-eastern Madagascar with this name; it is not clear if this is the site intended. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemur: Propithecus diadema edwardsi (EN). Reptile: Boa manditra (VU). | |
| Kalambatritra Special Reserve | Kalambatritra is located 40 km east of Betroka. The terrain of undulating hills and steep summits is part of the Antaivondro-Kalambatritra mountain chain. Many clear and permanent tributaries of the Mangoky and the Ionaivo have their sources in the reserve. The low- and mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest is little disturbed, and has a canopy 15–25 m high with emergents reaching 30 m. Characteristic trees include figs Ficus, Dalbergia and tree-ferns Cyathea. The humus layer is 10–25cm thick. Savannas of coarse grass (Aristida, Imperata) divide the forest into blocks, and a strip of bracken Pteridium borders the forest. The border of the protected area includes large areas of savanna. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Seventy-four species are known from the site, of which 45 are endemic to Madagascar. The species found are characteristic of humid forest, despite the site being located at the edge of the Eastern forest area. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur fulvus collaris (VU), E. rubriventer (VU). | |
| Midongy du Sud National Park | This site is located about 94 km south-east of Vangaindrano, and consists of two parts: the Soarano Forest (24,145 ha) and the Befotaka Forest (43,423 ha). The terrain is mountainous and steep-sloped. Many streams drain these slopes to feed marshes in the lowlands, which cover c.10% of the site (and small pools 5%). The mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest typically holds trees of Diospyros, Dalbergia, Brachylaena, Cryptocarya, Ravensara, Eugenia, Tambourissa, Ocotea, Uapaca, Calophyllum, Elaeocarpus and Symphonia. Marsh vegetation includes screw-pine Pandanus and sedge Carex. | Click here for more information about key species of birds. Ninety-three species are known from the site, of which 52 are endemic to Madagascar. Anas melleri has been observed in the area, but it is not known if it breeds locally. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Eulemur fulvus collaris (VU), Propithecus diadema edwardsi (EN), Daubentonia madagascariensis (EN). | |
| BirdLife International (2018) Important Bird Areas factsheet on 19/03/2018. | |||
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