Harmonious Protected Landscape · DIANA Region · Protected Areas of Madagascar · North
Andrafiamena Andavakoera
Harmonious Protected Landscape
A vast dry landscape of the northern tip of Madagascar — sheltering rare lemurs, three plant species found nowhere else on Earth, and a mosaic of dry deciduous forest, limestone massif and tsingy.
About the protected area
Northern Madagascar dry landscape, open to ecotourism
The Andrafiamena Andavakoera Harmonious Protected Landscape is one of the Protected Areas of Madagascar in the Northern Region. Created in 2015 and managed by Association Fanamby, the protected area encompasses 73,319 ha. The Andavakoera Classified Forest (12,575 ha, established 1967) forms an integral part of the landscape.
The protected area lies within the commune of Anivorano Nord, in the DIANA Region. The manager's office is based in Anjahakely, with accommodation available at the Lodge Black Lemur Camp, which offers equipped bungalows on site.
Visit and stay arrangements are to be discussed with guides at the site entrance. Consult the manager's website for further information.
The protected area is accessible via the RN6 from the city of Antsiranana through Ambilobe to Marotaolana (145 km), then 30 minutes south along a maintained track to the village of Anjahankely.
Fauna and Flora
Dry forest of the north, three plants known only from here
The climate is characterised by the dry conditions typical of the northern part of the island. The rainy season runs from November to April. The cool season extends from June to August, with minimum temperatures of 17.4 °C, while the hottest period — December to February — sees peaks of up to 34 °C.
The site belongs to the western phytogeographic domain, covered by dense dry forest characterised by Dalbergia, Hildegardia, and Commiphora. Dense semi-deciduous humid forest occupies the northern part of the site; dense dry deciduous forest predominates in the central section, principally across the Andavakoera massif. Near the Ankarana, in the north-west of the site, dense forest on limestone crowns the tsingy. Secondary formations cover two-thirds of the protected area.
Three plant species are known only from this protected area: Exacum alberti-grimaldi, Foetidia rubescens, and the bamboo Valiha perrieri.
Culture and Socio-economic Practices
Antakarana lands, forest under multiple pressures
The dominant population is the Antakarana tribe — "those who dwell among the Tsingy." Local custom forbids the consumption of the bird Falcula palliata, as well as the killing of chameleons or snakes.
The protected area faces a convergence of pressures: slash-and-burn agriculture, artisanal gold and sapphire extraction, bush fires, logging of rosewood, ebony, and other hardwoods, collection of forest resources such as tubers, honey, and raphia, and hunting of lemurs.
Identified threats
Location
Northern Madagascar, DIANA Region
The Andrafiamena Andavakoera Harmonious Protected Landscape lies in the commune of Anivorano Nord within the DIANA Region. The manager's office is based in Anjahakely. Access is via the RN6 from Antsiranana through Ambilobe to Marotaolana, then south by maintained track to the village of Anjahankely.