Special Reserve · Betsiboka Region · North-West Madagascar · Protected Areas of Madagascar
Kasijy
Special Reserve
A 19,800-hectare reserve in the Middle West of Madagascar, sheltering a mosaic of riparian, semi-deciduous and dry dense forests alongside the Mahavavy river — home to 7 lemur species and the endemic Pyrenacantha tropophila.
About the protected area
A mosaic reserve along the Mahavavy
The Kasijy Special Reserve lies near the Mahavavy Sud river and the commune of Antanimbaribe, in the Kandreho district. Established in 1956 and covering 19,800 hectares, it is managed by the Ministry of Environment, Ecology and Forests. The Regional Directorate of Environment and Forests for the Betsiboka Region maintains its bureau at Maevatanana.
The reserve has no major visitor infrastructure. Access is via secondary roads from the town of Tsiroanomandidy on the RN1. The most practical route follows the RN4 to a point 8 km south of Maevatanàna, near the village of Adrafiakely. From there, descend to the Betsiboka and cross by ferry. After the crossing, drive 80 km to Kandreho, then head north towards Bemonto, 10 km from the site.
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Fauna and Flora
Three forest types, endemic at every level
The Kasijy Reserve shelters three distinct forest formations: a riparian forest, a semi-deciduous dense humid forest in the northern part of the main massif, and a dense dry forest along the Mahavavy river. The protected area also encompasses pastures, meadows, and — in the south-east and north-east — wetland marshes.
Among its notable flora, the reserve is home to Pyrenacantha tropophila (locally known as Ambongo or Kasiza wood). The endemic plant family recorded on site is the Asteropeiaceae, represented by Asteropeia amblycarpa, assessed as Critically Endangered.
Climate
Middle West dry climate, distinct seasons
The reserve experiences the dry climate characteristic of this part of the Middle West. A cool season runs from June to August, with minimum temperatures reaching 14.5 °C. The hot season extends from September to November, with peaks exceeding 35.3 °C. The rainy season spans November through April.
Location
North-West Madagascar, Betsiboka Region
The Kasijy Special Reserve is accessible via secondary roads from Tsiroanomandidy on the RN1, or via the RN4 south of Maevatanàna. A ferry crossing over the Betsiboka leads to Kandreho, from which the site is reached via Bemonto, 10 km to the north.