Analamerana Special Reserve

The Analamerana Special Reserve is located in the northern part of Madagascar, halfway between the western region of Diana and the eastern region of Sava. The 34,700 hectares reserve is located in a rather unexplored forest southeast of Montagne d'Ambre, between the Irodo river in the North and the Loky river in the South.

To visit Analamerana Special Reserve it is best to start in Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), from where the paved road RN6 leads 60 kilometres south to Sadjoavato. From there it is another 25 kilometres along a very bad road to the municipality of Ankarongana. This road is only accessible during the dry season from May to November. From Ankarongana one has to continue by motorcycle, bike or foot to Analamerana Special Reserve.

Analamerana was classified Special Reserve in 1956 and is the only protected area that gives refuge to the endangered Perrier's sifaka lemur species. Three of the seven known Baobab species grow in the reserve.

The area is dominated by a limestone massif with numerous rocky outcrops - the tsingy (sharp limestone karst pinnacles). From east to west, this karst plateau comprises the massif of Analamerana, the massif of Antsohy and part of the Andrafiamena chain. In addition to the river Irodo, eight small streams flow through the reserve. The following ethnic groups live in and around the reserve: Sakalava, Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Anjoaty, Antemoro, Antankarana, Antandry, Merina and Betsileo. Unfortunately the protected area is subject to human pressures such as slash and burn to gain new farm land as well as illegal wood cutting.

The predominant climate is hot and humid with an average annual rainfall of 1,250mm. Most of the rain falls during the months of November through April. The dry season is clearly defined from June to August. The average temperature is 25°C, varying between 20°C and 30°C.

Fauna

Reptiles / Amphibians

The climate and stingy landscape in some parts of the reserve do not encourage the abundance of reptiles and amphibians. However, the following species are quite common:

• Furcifer petteri - Petter's chameleon
• Boa manditra - Madagascar tree boa
• Boa madagascariensis - Madagascar tree boa

The best fauna most visible to tourists

Scientific name	English name	Description	Where to find	When to find
Propithecus perrieri	Perrier's sifaka	Lemur	Ankavanana, Antombiratsy, Analabe, Andrafiamena	All year round.
Eulemur fulvus sanfordi	Brown lemur	Lemur	Ankavanana, Antombiratsy, Analabe, Andrafiamena	All year round.
Eulemur coronatus	Crowned lemur	Lemur	Ankavanana, Antombiratsy, Analabe, Andrafiamena	All year round.
Lepilemur septentrionalis	Northern sportive lemur	Lemur	Ankavanana, Antombiratsy, Analabe, Andrafiamena	All year round.
Galidia elegans dambrensis	Ring-tailed maongoose	Mammal	Ankavanana, Antombiratsy, Analabe, Andrafiamena	All year round.
Cryptoprocta ferox	Fossa	Carnivorous	Ankavanana, Antombiratsy, Analabe, Andrafiamena	All year round.
Lophotibis cristata	Madagascan crested ibis	Bird	Ankavanana, Antombiratsy, Analabe, Andrafiamena	All year round.
Mesitornis variegata	White-breasted mesite	Bird	Ankavanana, Antombiratsy, Analabe, Andrafiamena	All year round.