Ambatovaky

The Ambatovaky Special Reserve is located on the east coast of Madagascar, in the province of Toamasina, Analanjirofo region and District of Soanierana Ivongo. Decree 2015-731 modifying the boundary of the Ambatovaky Special Reserve, it has a surface area of 78,139 Ha. It occupies almost a third of the District’s surface area. This makes the Ambatovaky protected area the largest of all Madagascar’s Special Reserves. It maintains the genetic stocks of several plant and animal species endemic to the Eastern ecoregion, as well as species used by local populations.

In terms of ecological function, the Ambatovaky Protected Area has potential economic value. The forest block plays a role in maintaining the ecological balance of endemic species specific to the Protected Area. It is covered by a natural vegetation of dense humid forest at low and medium altitude, with a very high original biodiversity and a high rate of endemicity, and sometimes by a vegetation modified by the anthropic action of “Savoka” and the exploitation of natural resources.

Main ecological features :

The Ambatovaky Special Reserve is home to a particularly rich and diverse habitat, characterized by dense evergreen rainforest (FDHS) ecosystems, typical of Madagascar’s eastern rainforest ecoregion.

The reserve enjoys a warm, humid tropical climate. This type of climate is characterized by the absence of a dry season. The relief is rugged, with steep slopes in places. Its altitude ranges from 314 m at Sandrangato to 1175 m in the west at Mont d’Ambatovaky. The reserve is rich in hydrography.

History

Created by decree 58-10 of October 28, 1958, the Ambatovaky Special Reserve is located on Madagascar's east coast, in the province of Toamasina, Analanjirofo region and Soanierana Ivongo district.

Endemic species

Faune

Indri indri
Varecia variegata variegate
Propithecus diadema diadema
Eutriorchis astur
Ardeola idae

Flore

Bembiciaceae (ex. : Bembicia uniflora)
Melanophyllaceae (ex. : Melanophylla humbertianna)
Physenaceae (ex. : Physena madagascariensis)
Sarcolaenaceae (ex. : Rhodolaena altivola)
Phaerosepalaceae (ex. : Rhopalocarpus louvelii, Rhopalocarpus lucidus).

https://parcs-madagascar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/diademed-sifaka.jpg

Fauna

Indri indri
Varecia variegata variegate
Propithecus diadema diadema

Flora

Forêts Denses Humides Sempervirent de Basse Altitude (FDHSBA)
Forêts Denses Humides Sempervirent de Moyenne Altitude (FDHSMA)

Major pressures

Land clearing : Mainly due to slash-and-burn agriculture, which destroys natural habitats.
Lemur hunting: Particularly affects lemurs and birds, often captured for trade or consumption.
Mining: Crystal and gold drilling disrupt local ecosystems and cause soil degradation.

Other pressures

Collection of non-timber forest products (NTFP)
Illegal occupation
Undergrowth cultivation
Destruction of conservation devices (panels, scraping of paint layers on corner posts)

Biodiversity conservation

A number of initiatives have been planned to address the environmental challenges and human pressures on the park.

Conservation, Support and Development

Ongoing conservation projects

Use of drone (fire and pressure monitoring in landlocked areas)
Creation of Renewable Natural Resources Management Transfers (TGRN)

Community support initiatives

Growing vegetables

Sustainable development initiatives

Schools rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of Fokontany offices
Construction of micro-dams
Development of plains
Rehabilitation of micro-dams

KFW

Fund Madagascar National Parks' five-year strategic plan to ensure the sustainable management of marine and terrestrial protected areas.

FAPBM

Ensure sustainable financing and effective management of PAs by supporting biodiversity conservation while involving local communities

REDD+

Contribute to the fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions/preserving the world's biodiversity, mitigating the impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable development.

On the plan

Area 78 139 Ha

VISIT US

Depending on your means of transport :

Ground Transportation

Canoe and foot
Maritime transport

None
Air transport

None

Advisory Equipment
Bring bush equipment:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Kyranil
- Raincoat
Fees and charges

Download the reference document to find out more about park fees and charges.

Download the document

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