Ankarana

Ankarana Special Reserve is located about 108km south of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) and covers 18,220ha. Ankarana is known for its limestone karst pinnacles called tsingy along with its extensive cave system and network of underground rivers -- some of which contain crocodiles. Dry deciduous forest is found in much of the reserve.

Ankarana may have the highest density of primates of any forest in the world according to Bradt's Madagascar Wildlife. Visitors may encounter the crowned lemur, Sanford's brown lemur, Perrier's black lemur, the northern sportive lemur and dwarf lemurs. A variety of chameleons and leaf-tailed Uroplatus geckos can also be found in the reserve.

There are accommodations near the park entrance at Mahamasina along RN6. Camping is also possible in the reserve.

There is a second entry point near Amboandriky, but a 4x4 is required. A third entry point is near Matsaborimanga but access is difficult.

The best time of year to visit is during the dry season, from late April to November. Access to some parts of the park may be impossible during the rainy season due to flooding. Temperatures can be extremely high in March and April.

Basic services are available in Ambilobe. Diego Suarez is the major regional hub.

Province: Antsiranana (Di�go-Suarez)

Area: 18,220

Protected area status: Special reserve

Year established: 1956

General location: Northern

Location and Access: Outside of Diego Suarez

Climate:

Average temperature: 24-28�C

Elevation:

Precipitation:

Description: Ankarana is well-known for its extensive caves systems (more than 100 km mapped to date) -- formed by slightly acidic rivers running through limestone formations -- and tsingy formations. Ankarana's canyons are forested with dry deciduous forest.

FAUNA
Birds: 96
Reptiles & Amphibians: 60
   Lemurs: 11
   Bats: 14
Lemur species:

FLORA:
The following species are endemic to the park: Pachypodium baroni, Euphorbia ankarensis, Andansonia perrieri, Delonyx velutina, HHildegardia voyroni, Hildegardia erythrosyphon
Species: more than 330

Dominant ethnic group(s): Antakarana

Official web page

Additional notes: Extreme seasonal variations in temperature and rainfall (dry season from May to December).
Four major rivers run through Ankarana: the Besabola, the Ankarana river, the Antenan' Ankarana and the Manjeba (which runs entirely underground)



A sampling of mammal species found at Ankarana: