The RNI Tsaratanana rises from an altitude of 200 m to 2876 m at Maromokotra. It is bordered by the commune of Mangindrano to the south, Anaborano-Ifasy to the north, Manambato to the east, Antsahabe center to the north-west, Marotolana to the south-west and Ambohitrandriana to the west.
Concerning the hydrographic network, 5 rivers originate within the Réserve Intégrale de Tsaratanana: Sambirano, Ramena, Ifasy, Mahavavy and Maevarano.
Main ecological features: The landscapes are characterized by deep valleys, steep ridges and plateaus, the result of intense erosion and a humid tropical climate. This geomorphological diversity favours the formation of a variety of microhabitats, contributing to the biological richness of the reserve. Geological studies such as those by Fenn et al. (2012) and geomorphological analyses by Rakotoarisoa et al. (2015) underline the importance of these features in Tsaratanana’s unique ecosystem.
DIANA (Ambanja and Ambilobe) and SOFIA (Bealanana) regions, in the Districts of Ambanja and Ambilobe. It lies between latitudes -13.7229° and -14.2257° South and longitudes 49.0793° and 48.7421° East, between the Mahavavy to the East, Ramena to the West and Sambirano to the South.
The most remarkable bird species in this reserve are Eutriorchis astur (EN), Neodrepanis hypoxantha (VU), Brachypteracias leptosomus (VU).
The Tsaratanana NIR is a veritable biodiversity sanctuary, home to some 1,170 plant species. Of these, 832 are endemic to Madagascar, representing 71% of the reserve's flora. In addition, there are 72 local endemics, representing 6% of the species recorded.
The most represented families are Rubiaceae, Clusiaceae and Lauraceae. The best represented genera are Diospyros, Pandanus (Pandanus maromokotrensis, P. tazoanii) and Cryptocarya. The presence of members of three endemic plant families is documented in Tsaratanàna: Asteropeiaceae, represented by Asteropeia amblyocarpa CR, a widespread species. Barbeuiaceae, represented by Barbeuia madagascariensis, which occurs elsewhere in the protected area system. Sarcolaenaceae, represented by four species, including one widespread species (Leptolaena gautieri, L. cuspidata and Schizolaena parviflora).
The fauna of RNI Tsaratanana is just as impressive as its flora, with a total of 85 species of reptiles and amphibians, including 48 reptiles and 37 amphibians. They fall into 8 families, including 2 for Amphibians (Mantellidae, Microhylidae) and 6 for Reptiles (Scincidae, Chamaeleonidae, Gerrhosauridae, Gekkonidae, Boidae and Colubridae) (MNP, 2015).
This diversity also extends to birds, with 107 avian species representing all the habitat types present in the region. Of the 107 species recorded, 59 are endemic to Madagascar.
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A number of initiatives have been planned to address the environmental challenges and human pressures on the park.
Over the past five years, the manager and his stakeholders have carried out various activities to preserve the integrity of the Tsaratanàna Integral Reserve. These activities focus on: Patrolling and surveillance; Ecological monitoring; Setting up and maintaining infrastructures; Maintaining the Reserve's boundaries; Raising awareness among village communities; Training and holding meetings for Local Protection Committees (CLP); Various income-generating activities. Concerning protected area surveillance, reports for 2024 indicate an average achievement, including: 95.8% coverage of pressure zones, 104.3% of patrol mission objectives, 100% of transect visits for lemurs and PPS, 100% maintenance of external boundaries versus 65% for those of the hard core, and 106.2% of mixed brigade mission objectives.
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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.
At the end of the present PAG (end 2029), the Reserve is conserved, enhanced to ensure ecosystem services for the well-being of the population through the integration of scientific research and reliable databases, the continued strengthening of conservation activities and improved collaboration and communication with stakeholders. The achievement of these objectives will be measured by the increase in the area covered by control; by the progressive reduction of illegal occupation in the PA; by the reduction to 75% of current fire points within 5 years and by the progressive reduction to 40% of forest loss within 5 years.
Co-management has been adopted to integrate all stakeholders in the management and protection of natural resources and biodiversity. To this end, the manager has maintained his collaboration with the Local Park Committees (CLP) and the Protected Areas Orientation and Support Committee (COSAP) through various activities, such as training, awareness-raising and educational programs. The entire forest area entrusted to them has been monitored, representing up to 17% of the protected area. The same applies to the Comité d'Orientation et de Soutien à l'Aire Protégée (COSAP), which, thanks to its annual meetings, has been able to stay on course to support the management of the protected area.
All parties involved in the Tsaratanana NIR have made considerable efforts in recent years. The Local Protection Committees (CLP) have fulfilled their responsibilities, particularly in terms of patrolling, surveillance and ecological monitoring. They have benefited from capacity-building and training, and have taken part in restructuring and coaching meetings organized by the manager. In short, their contribution is considered significant in relation to the resources made available to them.
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.
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