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''Masoala'' can be translated to ''the eye of the forest'' - ''maso'' meaning eye and ''ala'' meaning forest in Malagasy. According to history, the first inhabitants of Madagascar settled in the Masoala region. During the 15th and 16th century, slave traders stopped at [[Nosy Mangabe]] on their sails to Asia or Europe. Today, the [[Betsimisaraka]] remain the dominant ethnic group of the [[Antalaha]] and [[Maroantsetra]] region. The people of Maroantsetra call themselves ''Antimaroa''. The Masoala National Park was created on the 2nd March 1997 and the Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve on the 14th December 1965. Masoala National Park is one of six national parks on the east coast of Madagascar, all of which were declared a ''World Heritage in Danger'' by UNESCO under the combined name [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1257 Rainforests of the Atsinanana] in 2010.
The entire Masoala protected area with a total surface of 240,520ha is divided into four terrestrial sections and three marine zones:
* The main land mainland plot covers 227,020ha of forest
* The detached land plot of Andranoanala covers 1,300ha
* The detached land plot of Andranomainty covers 1,600ha
The Masoala peninsula is very uneven in its northern and western parts. Further south, the slopes are less steep and a coastal plain stretches between [[Tampolo]] and [[Cap Masoala]]. The east side descents to a coastal plain with a width of up to 15km. Along the coast rocks alternate with sandy bays and reefs are located not far from the shore.
The particularity of Masoala is its terrestrial ecosystem, which is characterised by rainforests ranging from 0m to 1,300m above sea level. Masoala is one of the rare regions of Madagascar where the edge of the forest literally meets the sea. A fragile forest corridor joins the forest of the Masoala peninsula with the [[Anjanaharibe Sud Special Reserve |Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve]] and the [[Makira Plateau]]. The existence of this the corridor is essential to avoid that prevent Masoala becomes a genetic isletfrom becoming an isolated ecosystem in terms of wildlife. [[File:Snorkeling_parc_marin_du_village_3.jpg|600px]]
The marine and coastal ecosystem belongs to the ecoregion of the northeast, with is characterised by several forest and/or rock patches, sandy bays, coral reefs, seagrass beds and narrow strips of mangrove forest.
In terms of biodiversity, Masoala is one of the richest regions of Madagascar. 50% of Madagascar's plant species and more than 50% of Madagascar's mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles can be found here. The Masoala protected area is a very important water reserve for the region, as it supplies water for the rice fields and is a source of drinking water. The development of ecotourism benefits the local population, generating jobs such as guides, porters, craftsmen and merchants.<br><br> == Conservation targets == Despite its strategic role, Masoala is threatened by human activities:* Dense humid forest 0m - 800m: Land clearing, illegal logging of precious timber* Eastern coastal forest: Highly threatened due to its proximity to villages* Reef: Erosion and silting threaten the coast, seagrass beds and mangroves<br><br> Protected species are highly threatened by poaching within and outside the protected area:* ''Varecia rubra'' - [[Red ruffed lemur]] (endemic to Masoala)* ''Eretmochelys imbricata'' - [[Hawksbill sea turtle]]* ''Chelonia mydas'' - [[Green sea turtle]]* ''Lepidochelys olivacea'' - [[Olive ridley sea turtle]]* ''Caretta caretta'' - [[Loggerhead sea turtle]]* ''Dermochelys coriacea'' - [[Leatherback sea turtle]]* ''Voanioala gerardii'' - forest coconut, very rare palm (endemic to Masoala)* ''Nepenthes masoalensis'' - carnivorous plant (endemic to Masoala)<br><br> == Ecosystems of Masoala National Park ==Given its vastness, the Masoala National Park has several types of habitats in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems:* Dense humid forest 0m - 400m, dense humid forest 400m - 800m, dense humid forest 800m - 1,200m, dense humid forest 1,200m - 1,300m* Island forest (in addition to the Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve, thereare ten other forested islands surrounding the Masoala peninsula)* Eastern coastal forest * Flooded eastern coastal forest * Coral reef* Mangrove * Herbarium zone These habitats can be grouped into three categories:* Dense humid forest* Eastern coastal forest* Marine environment [[File:378.JPG|600px]]<br><br> == Fauna == === Birds ===Until 2008, 102 species of birds were identified in Masoala, of which over 60% are endemic to Madagascar. Different inventories led to the rediscovery of the ''Eutriorchis astur'' ([[Madagascar serpent eagle]]) in 1993. The Madagascar Serpent Eagle is considered the rarest bird of prey in the world and Masoala is currently the only place where this species has been observed on several occasions. [[File:162.JPG|600px]] Masoala is also the home of the ''Tyto soumagnei'' ([[Madagascar red owl]]), which was first discovered in the forest of the Ambanizana region on the Masoala peninsula. The Madagascar red owl is one of the rarest birds in Madagascar and one of the most endangered species of owls in the world. Fourteen bird species are considered vulnerable and threatened in Masoala: <table width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" border="0"><tr bgcolor="#dccbb3" valign="top"><td>Scientific name</td><td>English name</td><td> </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Eutriorchis astur''</td><td>Madagascar serpent eagle</td><td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Accipiter henstii''</td><td>Henst's goshawk</td><td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Coua serriana''</td><td>Red-breasted coua</td><td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Atelornis pittoides''</td><td>Pitta-like ground-roller</td><td>Species belonging to a family endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Phyllastrephus cinereiceps''</td><td>Grey-crowned greenbul</td><td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Oriolia bernieri''</td><td>Bernier's vanga</td><td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Pseudobias wardi''</td><td>Ward's flycatcher</td><td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Tyto soumagnei''</td><td>Madagascar red owl</td><td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Lophotibis cristata''</td><td>Madagascar crested ibis</td><td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Mesitornis unicolor''</td><td>Brown mesite</td><td>Rare species belonging to a family endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Randia pseudozosterops''</td><td>Rand's warbler</td><td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Euryceros prevostii''</td><td>Helmet vanga</td><td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Brachypteracias leptosomus''</td><td>Short-legged ground-roller</td><td>Species belonging to a family endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Brachypteracias squamiger''</td><td>Scaly ground-roller</td><td>Species belonging to a family endemic to Madagascar.</td></tr></table><br> These results reflect only inventories on forest ecosystems. If adding up all the seabird species that live on the beaches and rocky shores, one can count far more than a hundred species of birds in Masoala.<br><br> === Lemurs === Ten species of lemurs were identified in the Masoala National Park:* Two diurnal (day active) species* Eight nocturnal (night active) species The species ''Varecia variegata'' can be found on Nosy Mangabe and the endemic subspecies ''Varecia rubra'' on the Masoala peninsula. [[File:402.JPG|600px]] Four of the lemur species found on Masoala are recorded as endangered on the Red List of the [http://www.iucn.org International Union for Conservation of Nature]:<br><br> <table width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" border="0"><tr bgcolor="#dccbb3" valign="top"><td>Scientific name</td><td>English name</td><td>Specifities</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Varecia rubra''</td><td>[[Red ruffed lemur]]</td><td>A subspecies which can be found only on the peninsula.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Allocebus trichotis''</td><td>Hairy-eared dwarf lemur</td><td>An extremely rare species that was previously known only in three other locations: Zahamena, Vohidrazana and Mananara.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Daubentonia madagascariensis''</td><td>[[Aye-aye]]</td><td>The strangest mammal on Madagascar and the sole representative of the Daubentoniidae family.</td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Phaner furcifer''</td><td>Masoala fork-crowned lemur</td><td>The rainforest of Masoala is one of the rare places where this species can be found.</td></tr></table><br> === Carnivores ===Seven species of the Viverridae familiy were identified in Masoala. They are all endemic to Madagascar, except the ''Viverricula indica'' ([[Small Indian civet]]). Since the 1970s, Masoala is the only place where the ''Salanoia concolorb'' ([[Brown-tailed mongoose]]) was sighted. This species is the least known of Madagascar's carnivores. The already rare two carnivores ''Cryptoprocta ferox'' ([[Fossa]]) and ''Eupleres goudotii'' ([[Falanouc]]) suffer under the high predation pressure of the primary forest by the local population.<br><br> === Rodents ===The forests of Masoala are also rich or even richer in rodents than other forests of the eastern slopes of Madagascar. Nine rodent species were inventoried so far in the Masoala National Park. The introduced and invasive species ''Rattus rattus'' ([[Black Rat]]) was currently found in three locations: Andranobe, Ambohitsitondroina and Ambery. ''Nesomys audeberti'' ([[White-bellied nesomys]]) is known only to Masoala where this species is relatively common.<br><br> === Insectivores ===Ten species of the insect-eating Tenrecidae family (tenrecs) can be found in Masoala. Insectivores are more common on the western side of the peninsula than on the eastern side. The ''Tenrec ecaudatus'' ([[Tailless tenrec]]) appears to be exceptionally rare in the primary forests of the Masoala peninsula compared to other regions of Madagascar's east coast.<br><br>
== How to get there ==
There are two ways to reach the park, either via [[Maroantsetra]] or via [[Antalaha]]. The easiest and fastest mode of transport is by plane. [[Air Madagascar]] operates scheduled flights to Maroantsetra and Antalaha.
A car ride from [[Tamatave]] to Maroantsetra along the RN5 takes about two days (400km) mostly on a very bad road, which is often closed due to cyclones from December to March. It is also possible to take an off road taxi brousse from Mandritsara to Maroantsetra. Coming from Antalaha, there is a 45km stretch to [[Andranoanala]] (Cap Est). During the dry season the ride takes about four hours by 4x4 car, while in the rainy season some bridges may be impassable and rivers must be crossed by pirogue.
Alternatively and if coming by Tamatave, it is possible to reach Maroantsetra by sea. Depending on the season, cargo boats leave three to six times a week from Tamatave. The journey by sea takes between one and two days.
== Accommodation Guides and entrance fees ==The park office is located in Maroantsetra. There you can inform yourself about the Masoala National Park, various tours, guides and their rates and on-site accommodation. At the office you can also obtain your entry permit for the park.
The income derived from entrance fees is used to finance several microprojects in the area, such as building of wells, a market place, a library and tree nursery. Additionally to these projects, villagers receive education in the cultivation of vanilla and crop storage.<br> Recommended guides based in Maroantsetra: * [[Claudio Ramiandry]]** Tel: +261 (0)32 049 36 46 / Email: [mailto:ramiclaudio@yahoo.fr ramiclaudio@yahoo.fr]* [[Pascal]] from Masoala Adventure Discovery** Tel: +261 (0)32 57 940 24 / +261 (0)34 89 704 24 / Email: [mailto:expeditionmada@gmail.com expeditionmada@gmail.com], [mailto:pascalelison@yahoo.com pascalelison@yahoo.com]* Nico from [[Nico Tours Masoala]]** Tel: +261 (0)34 21 685 85 / +261 (0)32 86 953 64 / Email: [mailto:masoalasafary@gmail.com masoalasafary@gmail.com]* Patrick from [[Masoala Birding Camp]]** Tel: +261 (0)32 86 938 84 / Email: [mailto:patrickbezafi1081@gmail.com patrickbezafi1081@gmail.com]<br><br>*Juberson Paul from [[Masoala Travel Guide]]** Tel: +261(0)34 93 094 56[mailto:masoalatravelguide@gmail.com masoalatravelguide@gmail.com] == Circuits (Tours) == === Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve Circuit ===Easy to medium circuit, 5km from Maroantsetra. The visit can be between 3 hours and 2 days (including an overnight stay).<br>'''What to see?'''<br>The 520ha large island of Nosy Mangabe is located 15 minutes by speed boat from Maroantsetra. The reserve offers rainforest, a waterfall and a beach. In the north at the historical site of Plage des Hollandais (Dutch beach) you can see inscriptions carved in the rocks by Dutch sailors dating back to the 16th century. Cultural sites include Betsimisaraka tombs. The fauna and flora can easily be observed. You can spot geckos, the mantela or the Aye-aye, which is one of five lemur species on the island.<br>Licensed guide: 24,000 Ariary (1-5 people), trainee guide: 18,000 Ariary (1-5 people)<br>Camping: 2,000 Ariary per tent/night, camp shelter: 5,000 Ariary per tent/night<br><br> === Cap Est Circuit ===Easy to medium circuit. 40km/50km from Maroantsetra to Cap Est, about 1.5 to 2 hours by speed boat.<br>'''What to see?'''<br>This is one of the few places in Madagascar where the primary forest, which consists of lowland forest and coastal forest, reaches the sea. The dense humid forest hits the coast along kilometres of beach.<br>Licensed guide: 24,000 Ariary (1-5 people), trainee guide: 18,000 Ariary (1-5 people)<br>Camp site Andrakadilagna: 2,000 Ariary per tent/night, camp shelter: 5,000 Ariary per tent/night<br><br> === Ambodilaitry Marine Reserve Circuit ===Easy circuit. 60km from Maronatsetra, about 3.5 to 4 hours by speed boat.<br>'''What to see?'''<br>At this circuit you can relax on the white beach, swim in the ocean and turquoise lagoon as well as discover the coral reef.<br>Licensed guide: 24,000 Ariary (1-5 people), trainee guide: 18,000 Ariary (1-5 people)<br>Camping at the shore of the marine park: 2,000 Ariary per tent/night, camp shelter: 5,000 Ariary per tent/night<br><br> === Circuit of the detached land plot Andranoanala (Cap Est) ===Easy circuit. 45km from Antalaha, about 4 hours by 4x4 car.<br>'''What to see?'''<br>This circuit takes you through the coastal forest to the discover carnivorous plant ''Nepenthes masoalensis'', also named pitcher plant. The coastal forest is a completely different type of forest. In Andranoanala, there are also swamps and flooded forest.<br>Licensed guide: 30,000 Ariary (1-5 people), trainee guide: 26,000 Ariary (1-5 people). The guide comes from Antalaha. The fee for the guide includes his travel costs, meals and accommodation.<br><br> === Trekkking from Maroantsetra - Antalaha or Cap Est ===Average to challenging circuit. 100km to 120km from Antalaha to Maroantsetra (3 to 5 days), 100km to 120km from Maroantsetra to Cap Est (5 to 7 days).<br>'''What to see?'''<br>A hike from Antalaha to Maroantsetra or from Maroantsetra to Cap Est takes you through small farming villages and dense humid rainforest. You will see vanilla and cloves cultivation and meet the villagers.<br>Licensed guide: 24,000 Ariary (1-5 people), trainee guide: 18,000 Ariary (1-5 people). An additional 30,000 Ariary apply for the guide's return journey.<br>Camp site [[Ambatoledama]]: 2,000 Ariary per tent/night, camp shelter: 5,000 Ariary per tent/night.<br><br> <HTML5video type="youtube" width="600" height="338">VLh0_Bjxu3I</HTML5video> == Habits and customs in the region ==''Tsaboraha'' is a traditional custom widespread in the region. This 3-day long ceremony brings together the entire community and strengthens social bonds. After the family has obtained permission from ancestral spirits, men, women and children of the region participate in the preparation of the ritual. After each step, large quantities of ''[[betsabetsa]]'' (local rum) are distributed. Men will cut the wood that children collected in the surrounding forest, while the women prepare the rice. Young men of the village participate in ''tolon'omby'', a form of bullfighting with a strong young bull which is marked with a white spot on the forehead. Once tamed, the bull is taken to the ''fijoroana'' (a sacred place) and will be sacrificed the following day after a festive evening and the search for a sacred tree during night. After the killing the body of the bull is shared and prepared for a feast that can bring together up to a thousand people.<br><br> ''Rasariagna'' is a kind of ''joro'' (glorification) by the Betsimisaraka to commemorate the good deeds of their ancestors. They do this to thank their ancestors and to show them that they are not forgotten. The ''rasariagna'' always takes place on a Saturday.<br><br> ''Tsikafara'' is a kind of ''joro'' that the Betsimisaraka perform when they are faced with difficulty.Before an exam or any test, they will make an offering to the ancestors to ask for their support in solving the task without obstacles. This vow is made in private or in public. If the task is successful the vow must be fulfilled.<br><br> These events are always characterised by the sacrification of a [[zebu]] followed by a feast with family, friends and villagers. The ancestors are omnipresent at all times.<br><br> == Cultural highlights in the region ==* Historical: According to historians, the first people who came to Madagascar settled around Antongil Bay. During the 15th and 16th century, slave traders used Nosy Mangabe as a stopover during their sails to Asia or Europe.* Sacred places: [[Anjagnaharibe]] (on the Masoala tip). A sacred place where entry is strictly regulated by a local community organisation and which is respected by many families of the Masoala peninsula.* Legend: ''Maevarano'' is the story of a nobleman from the west, who in revenge for his brother gave food to the crocodile descendants of his slaves. That was the birth of the ''Zafirabay'' clan.<br><br> == Fady - What not to do in the region ==* Each family lives according to their own [[fady|fady's]]. But in general it is forbidden to work on the fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays.* Chameleons are not appreciated, although they are highly endangered.<br><br> == Accommodation in the park ==There are various camp sites in the park. However, please note that the park does not rent out camping equipment. It is possible to rent camping equipment in Maroantsetra and Antalaha. Beside camping, it is also possible to stay in the simple house of a villager.<br> '''[[Tampolodge]]'''(9 bungalows)<br>Tampolo<br>Tel: +261 (0)33 1133870 (mobile) or +261 (0)32 4021798 (mobile)<br>Email: [mailto:tampolodge@yahoo.fr tampolodge@yahoo.fr]<br>Website: [http://www.tampolodge.com www.tampolodge.com] '''[[Hippocampe|l'Hippocampe]]'''<br>S 15°42.943'<br>E049°57.690'<br>Email: [mailto:madahippocampe@live.fr madahippocampe@live.fr]<br>Tel: +261 (0)32 86 938 84 / +261 (0)32 70 346 95 '''[[Masoala Village Lodge]]'''<br>S 15°42.885'<br>E049°57.726'<br>Tel: +261 (0)32 86 938 84 '''[[Masoala Birding Camp]]'''<br>S 15°43.574'<br>E049°58.102'<br>Tel: +261 (0)32 86 938 84 '''[[Masoala Forest Lodge]]''' (6 safari-style tents)<br>Tampolo<br>Tel: +261 (0)20 2226114<br>Email: [mailto:mea@moov.mg mea@moov.mg]<br>Website: [http://www.masoalaforestlodge.com www.masoalaforestlodge.com]<br> '''[[Ecolodge Chez Arol Lodge]]'''(8 bungalows)<br>Ambodiforaha, near Tampolo<br>Tel: 033 12 902 77+261 (0)33 1290277 (mobile) or +261 (0)32 4088902(mobile)<br>
Email: [mailto:masoala@free.fr masoala@free.fr]<br>
Website: [http://arollodgewww.freearol-ecolodge.frcom www.arol-ecolodge.com]<br><br> <div style="max-width:600px;">{{#display_map:-15.564836, 50.125122~'''Masoala National Park'''~~;|type=map|service=google|width=auto|height=400|zoom=9|controls=pan, zoom, type, scale|copycoords=yes|icon=https://www.madacamp.com/images/madagascar/Green_marker.png}}</div> == Guides == * [[Claudio Ramiandry]]* [[Pascal]]* Nico from [[Nico Tours Masoala]]* [[Moses]] from [[Madagascar Safari Tour Guide]]* [[Jean Emile]] from [[Masoala Nature Guide]]* Patrick from [[Masoala Birding Camp]]*Juberson from [[Masoala Travel Guide]] == Additional information ==* View [[Chloe's photos|Chloe's Masoala photos]] * Various [[Masoala National Park photos]]* Photos from [[Marion|Marion and Laurent]]* Photos from [[Tampolodge photos|Tampolodge]]* Photos from [[Annette]]* [http://www.parcs-madagascar.com Madagascar National Parks] - Plentiful information about the National Parks in Madagascar in English, French, German and Italian* [http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/16/homerosewood-madagascar-china-illegal-rainforest China’s rosewood craving cuts deep into Madagascar rainforests] The Guardian, 16th February 2015* [[media:Strategic Plan for Management of Coastal Zone of Masoala Peninsula.htm pdf|Strategic Plan for Management of Coastal Zone of Masoala Peninsula]] (1995)* http://arollodgewww.tagesanzeiger.ch/zuerich/stadt/das-pralle-leben-in-der-masoalahalle/story/25336674* https://www.madacamp.com/Salamandra == Google Newsfeed == Below are links to various articles via ''[https://news.freegoogle.frcom Google News]'' using the keyword ''Masoala'':<rss template="Google-feed" filterout=“deprecated">http://homenews.google.htmcom/news?q=masoala&hl=en&gl=us&um=1&ie=UTF-8&output=rss</rss> <!-- [[fr: Masoala et RS Nosy Mangabe]]
'''Cap Est'''
* '''La Résidence du Cap'''
* '''Hotel du Voyage'''
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