Ranomafana



Ranomafana is one of Madagascar's best known and most important parks. Created in 1991 following the 1986 discovery of the golden bamboo lemur, Ranomafana has served as a model for subsequent parks and reserves in the country and abroad.

Near the entrance of Ranomafana is Centre Valbio, a facility run by Dr. Patricia Wright that is now Madagascar's leading field research center. An interview with Dr. Wright is available at An interview with lemur expert Dr. Patricia Wright.

Ranomafana features a range of accommodations from basic to relatively deluxe. Internet access is usually available.

Province: Fianarantsoa

Area: 43,549

Protected area status: National park

Year established: 1991

General location: Eastern Madagascar

Location and Access: 60 km north of Fianarantsoa, 400 km south of Antananarivo

Climate: Montane rainforest

Average temperature: 14-20�C

Elevation: 400-1417 m

Precipitation: 230-400 cm

Description:

FAUNA
Birds: 115
Reptiles: 62
   Lizards: 10
   Chameleons: 12
   Snakes: 14
Frogs: 98
Butterflies: 90
Mammals: 43
   Lemurs: 12
   Rodents: 6
   Insectivores: 11
   Bats: 8
   Carnivores: 6
Fish: 6
Spiders: 350
Crustaceans (Crayfish): 6
Lemur species:

  • Hapalemur aureus
  • Hapalemur griseus
  • Hapalemur simus
  • Eulemur rubriventer
  • Eulemur fulvus rufus
  • Varecia variegata variegata
  • Propithecus diadema edwardsi
  • Avahi laniger
  • Lepilemur sp
  • Chreirogaleus major
  • Microcebus rufus
  • Daubentonia madagascariensis

    FLORA:
    Ranomafana is mostly mountainous and consists of low altitude rainforests (much of this is degraded or deforestated), mid-altitude forests, and montane rainforests.
    Species:

    Dominant ethnic group(s): Tanala, Betsileo

    Official web page

    Additional notes: While long, the drive from Tana to Ranomafana is spectacular, especially as you approach Ranomafana.

    PHOTOS

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