Ankarafantsika National Park
Ankarafantsika National Park
Malgach
Ankarafantsika is one of the largest and last surviving sites of dense dry deciduous forest in Madagascar, which is filled with endangered species of animals. Also here is Lake Ravelobe, filled with crocodiles. The park has a program for breeding turtles and other rare endangered species. The name Ankarafantsika comes from the word Garafantsy, which means “hills of thorns”
The park is located approximately 450 km north of Antananarivo and 110 km south of Mahajanga., Covering a surface of almost 1350 square kilometers. The park was officially declared national in 2002, when two sections were united, divided by a road in half together. The road divides the national park in half with the R4 route, which leads from Tanu to Mahajanga. The park itself has been taken under protection since 1927, as this reserve is the last refuge of several endangered lemurs and this is very important for Madagascar. Eight species of lemurs live here: lemur western wolf, lemur dwarf tail, lemur lobster, sports lemur, lemur gray mouse and a very rare lemur, which is found only here is a golden brown mouse lemur.
Ankarafantsika is also a great place for bird lovers, as 126 species of birds live here (66 of which are endemic to Madagascar). Birds are easy to spot and photograph in the deciduous forest. The largest carnivorous mammals, such as Fosa, which feeds on lemurs, small mammals, lizards and birds, also live here.
Flora of the park is also very rich. More than 800 species of plants grow here that can only be found in Madagascar. Many plants are listed in the Red Book and are endangered. You can find here baobabs, wild vanilla, crocodile tree, odorous medicinal tree, rosewood – they are all endemic.
You can also take a boat trip, where you will see not only beautiful landscapes, but also notice crocodiles, many rare birds such as herons and ibises.
