Harmonious Protected Landscape · North-West Region · Protected Areas of Madagascar
Beanka
Protected Landscape
A northern extension of the Bemaraha massif — 17,000 hectares of dry tsingy forest sheltering 10 lemur species, three plants known nowhere else on Earth, and a Sakalava community with roots stretching back to the eleventh century.
About the protected area
A tsingy forest at the northern reach of Bemaraha
The Beanka Harmonious Protected Landscape covers 17,000 hectares and was created in 2015. It is managed by Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar (BCM). The site lies close to the RN6–10 linking Tsiroanomandidy to Maintirano, with the village of Ambinda — 71 km east of Maintirano and 336 km from Tsiroanomandidy — serving as the access point.
The manager maintains an office in Ambinda. On-site accommodation includes a community guesthouse with four tent shelters, showers, and sanitary facilities, as well as a researcher station equipped with a kitchen, showers, sanitary facilities, a workspace, and space for ten tents.
To arrange a visit, contact the manager directly on site or at their office in Antananarivo.
Fauna and Flora
Tsingy vegetation, three species known only from Beanka
Beanka forms the northern continuation of the Bemaraha massif and supports vegetation adapted to tsingy limestone. The protected area encompasses several types of dry dense forest. The flora is characteristic of the eastern zone, with species such as Erythroxylum sphaeranthum, Chrysophyllum perrieri, and Manilkara boivinii. Three species are known only from Beanka: Aloe beankaensis, Pandanus tsingycola, and Pararistolochia enricoi.
The site harbours 16 amphibian species, 44 reptile species, 62 bird species, 10 lemur species, and 12 bat species.
Culture and Heritage
Sakalava, eleven centuries of forest life
The Beanka massif has been inhabited since the eleventh century. The population is predominantly Sakalava, whose livelihoods remain closely tied to the surrounding forests.
Fires lit to renew pastureland represent the primary threat to the protected area. These are compounded by illegal forest exploitation, lemur hunting, and livestock allowed to graze freely within the forest.
Identified threats
Location
North-West Madagascar, Melaky Region
The Beanka Harmonious Protected Landscape is accessible from the village of Ambinda on the RN6–10, 71 km east of Maintirano and 336 km from Tsiroanomandidy. The massif forms the northern continuation of the Bemaraha tsingy landscape.