The Ankarafantsika National Park is one of 9 sites recognized as “Jewels of Malagasy Biodiversity”.
It is rich in wildlife species, some of which are found nowhere else but in this forest mosaic. Ankarafantsika is home to 37 species of mammals, 70 species of reptiles in 11 families, 14 species of amphibians in four families, 130 species of birds in 55 families and 15 species of fish.
Ankarafantsika National Park is home to eight species of lemur, three of which are restricted and threatened according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list: Propithecus verreauxi coquereli (Coquerel’s Sifaka, Tsibahaka), Eulemur mongoz (Mongoz’s Lemur, Dredrika) and Microcebus ravelobensis (Ravelobe’s Little Micorcèbe, Tsidy). A species of rodent, Macrotarsomys ingens or voalavonala, is also endemic to the Ankarafantsika forest massif and is classified as endangered.
Ankarafantsika National Park contains 820 plant species belonging to 443 genera and 111 families, with an endemism rate of 89.32%. The most represented families are : Fabaceae with 38 genera and 77 species, Rubiaceae with 30 genera and 58 species, Poaceae with 33 genera and 57 species, Euphorbiaceae with 22 genera and 50 species. Ankarafantsika NP still includes relatively extensive blocks of western forest, with a significant number of species.
Ankarafantsika Park n°15 is located in the Districts of Ambatoboeny and Marovoay, Boeny Region. Declared a National Park on August 07, 2002 (Decree 2002-798), the PA covers the former Réserve Naturelle Intégrale (RNI) created in 1927, as well as the Réserve & Station Forestière d'Ampijoroa created in 1929. The PA was previously under State supervision by the Mahajanga Water & Forest Service; its management has been entrusted to Madagascar National Parks (MNP, formerly ANGAP) since 2000.
Adansonia madagascariensis var. boinensis, Microcebus ravelobensis, Macrotarsomys ingens
Lémurien(s) : Propithecus coquereli (Sifaka), Lepilemur edwardsi (Lemurien sportif), Eulemur mongoz (Lémurien mangouste) ; Oiseau(x) : Xenopirostris damii (Vanga de Van Dam), Schetba rufa (Artamie rousse) ; Autre(s) : Cryptoprocta ferox (fosa)
SARCOLAENACEAE Xyloolaena perrieri VU, Perrierodendron boinense, SPHAEROSEPALACEAE Rhopalocarpus lucidus, Rhopalocarpus similis ; Essence(s) commerciale(s) : EBENACEAE Diospyros spp. CITES II, FABACEAE Dalbergia davidii EN B1 CITES II, Dalbergia greveana LR CITES II, Baudouinia fluggeiformis ; Autre(s) : MALVACEAE Adansonia madagascariensis VU
Several initiatives have been planned to address environmental challenges and anthropogenic pressures on the park...
To effectively combat threats such as poaching, deforestation and bush fires, the Park plans to reinforce mixed patrols made up of Park Agents and military personnel. The mission of these patrols is to monitor sensitive areas, ensure the security of natural resources, and deter illegal activities.
The Park plans to deploy the use of new technology for conservation through the use of drones, Forestwatcher, SMART software for conservation, . The aim is to cover a larger area of the Park and respond rapidly to reported incidents.
The Park is particularly vulnerable to bush fires, which threaten habitats and endemic species. The Park plans to set up firebreaks and run awareness-raising campaigns for local communities on the dangers of bushfires.
In the event of fire outbreaks, rapid intervention teams are trained and equipped to bring fires under control as soon as they appear. These teams are supported by local volunteers and members of the surrounding communities.
The Park has identified the management of invasive species as a conservation priority. Specific programs are in place to eradicate plant species that disrupt natural ecosystems, such as Mimosa pigra and other invasive alien plants.
In addition to the eradication of invasive species, ecological restoration efforts are planned, notably through reforestation with endemic species adapted to local conditions.
Le parc est divisé en plusieurs zones selon leur importance écologique. Les noyaux durs sont des zones où toute activité humaine est interdite, sauf pour la recherche scientifique. Ce zonage vise à protéger les habitats critiques et les espèces vulnérables.
En périphérie des noyaux durs, des zones tampons sont établies pour permettre des activités contrôlées telles que l'écotourisme et l'agroforesterie. Ces zones sont conçues pour réduire la pression sur les zones centrales tout en permettant un développement durable pour les communautés locales.
The Park includes the development of ecological monitoring protocols to assess the state of ecosystems, the population of key species, and the impacts of management interventions. This monitoring enables regular data collection to adjust conservation strategies and respond to needs in real time.
The Park collaborates with universities and research institutions to carry out in-depth studies on biodiversity and ecosystems.
To prevent encroachment and illegal occupation, the boundary markers are maintained and made visible. Awareness campaigns are also run to remind communities of the Park's boundaries and the importance of respecting them.
Local communities are involved in maintaining the Park's boundaries, which strengthens their role in protecting the protected area and raises their awareness of conservation issues.
The Park provides ongoing training and retraining for its staff, including Park Agents, so that they can adapt to new management methods and emerging challenges in Park conservation.
In addition to technical skills, staff are trained in communication and mediation to better interact with visitors and local communities, and to raise awareness of the importance of conservation.
Support conservation actions through forest protection, reforestation and community-led conservation initiatives
Fund Madagascar National Parks' five-year strategic plan to ensure the sustainable management of marine and terrestrial protected areas.
Ensure sustainable financing and effective management of PAs by supporting biodiversity conservation while involving local communities
Depending on your means of transport :
You can take a bush cab from Tanà or Majunga. If you plan to leave the park by bush cab, it's advisable to reserve seats with a transport company.
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The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit depends on your motivations.
Download the reference document to find out more about park fees and charges.
To make the most of the park, it's best to bring the following equipment:
Tours | Summary | Difficulty | Duration | Tour plans |
---|---|---|---|---|
CANYON (OBSERVATION) | panoramic view |
Medium |
01 hours 30 minutes |
|
CANYON (DESCENTE) | panoramic view, canyon |
Difficult |
2h |
|
COQUERELI | Lemurs, birds, reptiles, medicinal plants, precious woods, orchids |
Average |
2h |
|
TOUR DU LAC | Cultural site, crocodile, waterfowl, fishing eagle, reptiles, lemurs, varied plant life, lakeside landscape |
Average |
2h |
|
BAOBAB | Baobab |
Easy |
1h |
|
PACHYPODIUM | Birds, reptiles, various plants, Pachypodium |
Average |
||
HAUT DU LAC | Birds, reptiles, various plants, view of the lake |
Average |
||
RETENDRIKA | Birds, reptiles, lemurs, various plants |
Average |
2h |
|
BATEAU | Cultural site, crocodile, water birds, fishing eagle, Baobab, lakescape |
Easy |
1h30 |
|
GRANDE BOUCLE : COQUERELI + CANYON (DESCENTE CANYON) | Lemurs, birds, reptiles, medicinal plants, precious woods, orchids, panoramic view, African savannah, canyon. |
Difficult |
5h |
|
GRANDE BOUCLE : COQUERELI + CANYON (OBSERVATION CANYON) | Lemurs, birds, reptiles, medicinal plants, precious woods, orchids, panoramic view, African savannah, canyon. |
Average |
4h |
|
SOURCE DE VIE : TOUR DU LAC + BAOBAB | Cultural site, crocodile, water birds, fishing eagle, reptiles, lemurs, varied plants, Baobab, lakeside landscape. |
Average |
3h |
|
BOTANIQUE : RETENDRIKA + PACHYPODIUM | Birds, reptiles, lemurs, various plants, Pachypodium |
Average |
4h |
|
POINT DE VUE : BAOBAB + HAUT DU LAC | Birds, reptiles, various plants, view of the lake. |
Average |
3h |
Immerse yourself in the unique biodiversity of our national parks and discover our commitment to conservation and ecosystem protection. Marvel at unspoilt landscapes and exceptional wildlife. Together, we create a model of responsible and beneficial coexistence