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Analamerana Special Reserve

Revision as of 05:52, 11 January 2012 by MissMada (talk | contribs) (→‎Circuits (tours))

Revision as of 05:52, 11 January 2012 by MissMada (talk | contribs) (→‎Circuits (tours))

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.

Contents

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:

Birds

Many bird species live in Analamerana, of which seven are endemic. One of the eight rarest birds in the world can be found in the reserve, the Xenopirostris damii (Van Dam's vanga). The following species can be observed in the reserve:

Mammals

The most commonly observed lemur species are:

Carnivores living in Analamerana are:

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.

Flora

In the Analamerana Special Reserve grow typical species of the ecoregions of the west, east and centre of Madagascar. Six palm species are identified and three of the seven known baobabs growing in Madagascar can be found in the reserve:

The best flora most visible to tourists

Scientific name English name Where to find
Adansonia perrieri Perrier's Baobab Antaignaombihely, Analabe, Ankarana
Adansonia Madagascariensis
Coffea saharenanensis Analabe, Ankavanana, Antombiratsy
Eugenia analameranensis Analabe, Ankavanana, Antombiratsy


Guides and entrance fees

The office of the Analamerana Special Reserve is located north of Anivorano where one can obtain permits to the protected area. Although it is best to organise a visit to the reserve in Diego Suarez, guides and porters can alternatively also be found in Menagisy, a village next to the reserve.

The admission fee for visiting the park depends on how many days will be spent in the park. Foreign tourists pay 25,000 Ariary for 1 day, 37,000 Ariary for 2 days, 40,000 Ariary for 3 days and 50,000 Ariary for 4 to 10 days (prices 2010).

Circuits (tours)

There are various hiking trails leading through the reserve, but special circuits are not set up yet.

Tourist attractions in the region

  • Red Tsingy - 15 kilometres along the RN6, accessible by 4x4.
  • Lac Antagnavo - a sacred lake located 4 kilometres along the RN6, accessible by 4x4.
  • Tsingy of Ankarana - a national park located 4 kilometres along the RN6, accessible by 4x4.

Fady - What not to do in the park

Accommodation in/outside the park

The office of the Special Reserve of Analamerana is at North Anivorano. There you will be able to inquire about your stay. For your time, Analamerana is not equipped to accomodate you but it is possible to lodge at the inhabitant, in modest conditions. A hotel with a middle comfort is established close to the reserve.

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Last edited on 5 February 2021, at 07:01