Andasibe National Park: Exploring Mantadia and Mitsinjo Reserves

Explore the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts located just three hours from the capital of Madagascar. This 12,810 hectare protected area showcases all the characteristics of a tropical rainforest at medium altitude (930m-1050m). With a network of hiking trails winding through the low hills, visitors can easily immerse themselves in the diverse flora and fauna of this stunning park. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced nature lover, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Andasibe National Park – Mantadia

The Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, located three hours by car from the capital of Madagascar. It showcases all the characteristics of a tropical rainforest at a moderate altitude (930 m-1050 m). A network of hiking trails through the low hills makes it easy to explore this 12,810 ha protected area, where even beginners can observe the Indri, the largest of all lemurs.
Tree Ferns
Majestic tree ferns line the paths of the park. The fronds of tree ferns are typically.

Very large and very jagged, but at least one species has entire fronds. Like the other ferns, the fronds appear like a stick that gradually unfurls and elongates.

Unlike trees, tree ferns do not form woody tissue in the trunk as it grows. The trunk is simply supported by the fibrous mass of roots that grow along the trunk. Outside of protected areas, this plant species is often exploited, sometimes excessively, for the production of flower pots.

However, this ecosystem is threatened by bushfires and slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal logging, poaching, and the collection of protected plants. This situation can be reversed through. Explain the demographic and social pressure observed in one of the poorest countries in the world. It is estimated that in 2001, 5% of the area was affected by traditional agricultural activities.

Indri Lemurs

The morning vocalizations of the indris give this forest site a mysterious character. Often very harmonious, these modulated and powerful howls can be heard over a distance of 2 km. They allow each of the 62 Indri families in the park (each with 2 to 5 members) to demarcate their territory.
As part of the primate order, the Indri is. Indri is known as one of the most endangered lemurs. This lemur, classified as CR A3cd (Critically Endangered) by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is facing immense pressure on its habitat, with its survival now dependent on the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and some other rare forests in Madagascar.

The Indri Indri Species

Belonging to the order of primates and the subfamily of lemurs, Indri indri is a rare species that sets itself apart from other lemurs endemic to Madagascar, notably by its lack of a tail, among other distinctive features.

The Indri indri, with its unique physical feature of a tail stump of less than 3 cm, serves as a distinguishing characteristic that sets it apart from its counterparts. Additionally, it exhibits a distinct behavior, characterized by dissonant songs that serve the purpose of signaling its presence and territory.

The Indri is a rare species that stands out from other lemurs on the large island due to its size, behavior, and diet. It is a species that must be explored, especially considering its status as one of the most endangered, facing the threat of extinction in the near future.

Discover the Calumma Parsoni Cristifer, a true giant (50-60cm) chameleon from the Calumma parsoni group. These chameleons feed on large insects and occasionally on small birds. In Andasibe, you can observe the Cristifer species in the high branches of trees.

Both subspecies of Calumma parsonii have males that are often more colorful and brighter than females. Calumma parsonii feeds on plants, leaves, insects, and small birds, which it catches with its tongue and shoots like a missile at its prey. The prey can be up to twice the size of the animal.

The Calumma parsonii lives in

Adapted for SEO: The Mantella Madagascariensis is a small frog that can easily use its strong camouflage ability to defend against predators by hiding among trees. However, females hide their eggs underground, posing a significant risk to the mother, eggs, and future offspring.

Moreover, this frog can live up to 12 years, especially in captivity.

Madagascar Mantella

This small (2-3 cm) diurnal frog feeds on ants and termites. The male emits a series of short clicks.

For several years, the very small frogs have been thriving in their natural habitat.

Frogs, known as Mantella aurantiaca, are endangered in Madagascar. This species of frog is mainly a terrestrial forest dweller and migrates to ponds for reproduction. Each clutch can contain between 50 and 200 eggs, with about 75% being fertile, and fertilization occurs externally. Reproduction takes place from October to February.

Adult frogs feed on small insects like flies and springtails in their natural habitat. However, they are an endemic species found in the Andasibe National Park, located a hundred kilometers from the capital city of Antananarivo.

The Green Lake and the Red Lake

On the edge of this. In the heart of a crescent-shaped lake, lemurs, birds, and the forest ecosystem can be observed. This reserve is also known for its two lakes, referred to as the red lake and green lake. Specifically designed for observing the rich biodiversity of this reserve, hiking trails have been developed, including a trail for the green class. Some walks lead to viewpoints, one of which offers a panoramic view of the entire forest station of Analamazaotra.

Explore more about Madagascar