Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Analamzoatra Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park together form the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, which covers 155 square kilometres of old-growth forest. As the name suggests, an old-growth forest has remained untouched by any disturbance and showcases unique ecological features. These forests experience heavy rainfall during the wet season nourishing the vegetation and animals throughout the park. Located within the Alaotra-Mangoro region of eastern Madagascar, it features Madagascar’s signature humid climate.
The park has many names. One is for its large population of indri as the Indri Special Reserve. Visitors can also explore the Ranomafana hot springs, which are not far from the park. The park has several pools and waterfalls that give it that jungle paradise feel. The hiking routes in the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park take visitors through its natural montane forests where visitors can see the amazing fauna and flora and ruins of an old fish farm with buildings that have surrendered to nature. Indris are often spotted on these trekking routes, chomping on the tree leaves. An experienced guide will take hikers through shaded pathways and trails that offer higher chances of wildlife viewing.
Wildlife at Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
One of Madagascar’s most renowned national parks, Andasibe-Mantadia is a wildlife hot spot and. home to 11 lemur species. Some of the lemurs you will see include the common brown lemur, diademed sifaka, grey bamboo lemur, mouse lemur, red-bellied lemur, and sportive lemur. The park is also home to babakoto, commonly known as indri, one of the largest living lemur species. Visitors can spot these large lemurs in the daytime when they are most active. The black-and-white ruffed, an endangered lemur species, can also grow as large as indri. Each of these species has a distinct call: indri can be identified with their incredibly loud wails.
Apart from the unique lemurs, the park has several species of snakes, chameleon, geckos, and insects. Andasibe-Mantadia also has several frog species such as Baron’s Mantella, boophis pyrrhus, Betsileo reed frog, Boulenger’s digging frog, Cophyla Tuberifera, central bright-eyed frog, Dumeril’s Madagascar frog, Dumeril’s bright-eyed frog, eastern Madagascar frog, Folohy Madagascar frog, golden mantella, green bright-eyed frog, Mantidactylus aerumnalis, Madagascar jumping frog, Madagascar bright-eyed frog, Mascarene ridged frog, pandanus frog, and white-lipped bright-eyed frog.
Andasibe-Mantadia is one of the premier birding destinations in Madagascar and is home to more than 110 bird species, most of them endemic to Madagascar. Andasibe’s forest region is an excellent spot for spotting the Madagascar crested ibis, blue cousa, and nuthatch vanga. The Mantadia region isn’t as accessible, but visitors may spot rare birds such as helmet vanga and red-breasted coua.
A few more of Andasibe-Mantadia well-known birds are collared nightjar, cuckoo roller, Madagascar blue pigeon, Madagascar pond heron, red-fronted coua, scaly ground roller, velvet asity, and white-headed vanga.
When to Visit Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park can be visited throughout the year. Indri is one of the lemur species that can be spotted throughout the year while others come out during the wet season. The reptiles and amphibians are mostly seen from January to March, which are the wettest months in Andasibe-Mantadia. Hiking is preferably done in the dry season from April to August.
The best time to visit the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park for birdwatching is from September to December. Most of the birds in the park remain inactive during the dry season. The birds can be spotted at the beginning of the wet season when the park welcomes migratory species, which stay till April before embarking on their journey.
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