The communes of Marotolana, Marovato, Ambohimarina and Bemanevika delimit it to the east, the commune of Djangoa to the north, the communes of Ankingameloka and Ankaramibe to the west and the commune of Bejofo to the south. The RS Manongarivo is divided into two sectors covering nine communes, 36 fokontany, 49 villages and 22 hamlets.
The Manongarivo Special Reserve region is characterized by a dense hydrographic network, with numerous rivers, streams and waterfalls contributing to the ecological diversity of the area. This hydrographic network is made up of 5 rivers originating within the Reserve: the Andranomalaza, the Manongarivo, the Djangoa, the Ambahatra, the Antsahankolana, and numerous tributaries of the Sambirano.
In addition to its ecological importance, RS Manongarivo provides essential ecosystem services for local communities, such as regulating water sources, mitigating floods and protecting soils. It thus supports local agriculture and reduces the impact of flooding on surrounding villages.
– Key ecological features :
RS Manongarivo is home to a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, including dense rainforests, mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Altitudes range from 200 to 1,876 m (Antsatrotro peak 1876 m).
Located in the DIANA and SOFIA region, near the town of Ambanja, this Protected Area was created in 1956 under decree n°56-208 of February 20, 1956, when the reserve's surface area was around 32,735 ha, and has since been extended, bringing its total surface area to 51,568 ha. The reserve was managed by the Direction des Eaux et Forêts at the time, before Madagascar National Parks.
The reserve's dense evergreen rainforest is home to floristic species unique to the region, such as Noronhia sambiranensis, Psychotria bealananensis and Scolopia manongarive. Around 40 floristic species are known only from Manongarivo (Goodman, 2018), including ferns: Anemia perrieriana, Cyathea simulans and Lastreopsis manongarivensis; angiosperms such as Calyptranthera gautieri, Vernonia manongarivensis. All five of Madagascar's endemic plant families are found in RS Manongarivo, namely Asteropeiaceae, Barbeuiaceae, Physenaceae, Sarcolaenaceae and Sphaerosepalaceae. Several species of fauna are also endemic to the reserve, such as Brookesia bekolosy, valerieae and Sphaerosepalaceae.
RS Manongarivo boasts a rich biodiversity, with 30 species of amphibian, including Boophis andreonei, Boophis sambirano and Spinomantis massi, which are examples of the site's particular species. 43 species of reptiles have been recorded in the reserve, two of which are locally endemic to the site (Brookesia bekolosy, valerieae). The reserve's birds are represented by 130 species. Manongarivo is home to some of Madagascar's most representative species, such as Van Damme's Vanga (Xenopirostris damii) (MNP, 2012). Other species such as Glareola ocularis, Mesitornis variegatus, Tachybaptus pelzelnii, Brachypteracias Leptosomus, Neodrepanis hypoxantha and Ardeola idae are IUCN Red List species of RS Manongarivo (Goodman et al., 2018). (history ny tacthajania)
Land clearing, taking of fertile land for agricultural use, clearing fires
Hunting, Selective logging
A number of initiatives have been planned to address the environmental challenges and human pressures on the park.
The main lines of action include establishing solid partnerships with local populations, respecting and monitoring the commitments set out in the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), implementing a social inclusion policy, creating a complaints management and consultation mechanism, improving the resilience of local populations in the face of poverty, and building socio-economic infrastructures in the Reserve's surrounding communities.
In the PAG 2025-2029, it is proposed to increase each year the percentage of the Reserve area monitored by the CLPs. The CLPs are also involved in managing threats and pressures to ensure the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity. At least 65% of COSAP members are PLCs. In general, stakeholders have met their commitments, in proportion to the resources allocated to them. The CLPs and COSAP have supported the manager, as evidenced by their participation in various activities, such as World Environment Day, awareness-raising in schools and villages, lobbying missions, as well as training and information-sharing meetings.
The conservation strategy is based primarily on strengthening control and enforcement actions within the Protected Area (PA). In 2024, 65 land patrol missions were carried out by AGRs, exceeding the target of 60 missions, representing an achievement rate of 108.3%. Land patrols carried out by CLPs achieved 73.5% of the target, with 25 missions carried out out of the 34 planned. The mixed land brigades completed 100% of their missions.
Progress was also made in the installation and maintenance of conservation infrastructure, with the materialization and maintenance of external boundaries (100% completed) and core reserve boundaries (40% completed), as well as the establishment of surveillance posts (300% completed) and fences (100% completed). The four transects used to monitor the species were visited regularly.
Faced with the pressures and threats to biodiversity and ecosystems in the Manongarivo reserve, it is crucial to conserve its nature and restore degraded habitats. Increase education and awareness among local populations of the benefits of biodiversity to human life and to climate change due to forest loss. Promote large-scale reforestation.
The co-management of RS Manongarivo, combining the efforts of MNP, local authorities and surrounding communities, aims to protect biodiversity while integrating the needs and knowledge of local people. Thanks to this collaborative approach, MNP can implement effective strategies. To promote local structures, the reserve manager works with local communities organized into CLPs to ensure co-management. These CLPs assume their responsibilities by monitoring and controlling certain areas of the Reserve.
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 :
There are different entry points to reach the Tsaratanana NIR:
Tips for reaching the Park/Reserve:
A 4*4 vehicle is essential to reach the Manongarivo outskirts, especially during the rainy season. In all cases, you'll need to walk long distances to enter the PA, including climbs that should be done under the guidance of a local guide. In these different entry points, it is necessary to hire local porters and guides.
None
None
Download the reference document to find out more about park fees and charges.
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