Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

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The protected area Tsingy de Bemaraha in the west of Madagascar consists of a national park and strict nature reserve. The site is unique with its biodiversity and exceptional landscape called the Tsingy - which can be translated into "where one can only walk on tiptoe". In 1990, Bemaraha was the first area in Madagascar to be classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it also became a UNESCO National Cultural Heritage Site in 1991. Part of the reserve was changed to national park status in 1997.

Tsingy de Bemaraha IMG 4765.jpg
Tsingy de Bemaraha IMG 4638.jpg Tsingy de Bemaraha IMG 4591.jpg Tsingy de Bemaraha IMG 4926.jpg

Bemaraha National Park is located in the Melaky region in the central west Madagascar, about 300km from Antananarivo as the crow flies. The park stretches over an area of 157,710ha, with a length of 100km from north to south and a width of 10 to 40km from east to west. The southern part with an area of 72,340ha enjoys the status of a national park. The northern part, which is managed as an strict nature reserve, covers 85,370ha of land.

The protected area is located on the Bemaraha plateau at an altitude of 150 to 170m, a karst formation bounded to the east by steep cliffs and to the west by gentle slopes. South of the park, there is a formation of pinnacles which access is extremely difficult. In the north rolling hills alternate with limestone formations.

Tsingy de Bemaraha IMG 4938.jpg

The Bemaraha Park is located north of the Manombolo River. The rivers coming from the plateau have a seasonal or permanent character.

The Bemaraha Massif is a very rugged limestone massif with numerous caves and an impressive canyon carved by the Manambolo River. The western part of the plateau has a very sharp relief, covered in large parts by dense dry forest. That is a true limestone cathedral which offers one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. In the eastern part, the forest is intersected by savannas.

The karstic massif of Bemaraha offers a variety of natural habitats which are many different ecosystems such as dense deciduous forest, bushy xerophytic vegetation on the tsingy (limestone plateau) and sub-humid forest in the valleys or low-laying wet areas between limestone blocks as well as wooded or grassy savanna.

The park is home to lemurs, terrestrial and aquatic birds, bats, amphibians, reptiles, endemic mammals and at least 650 plant species.

The population is predominantly Sakalava. It is an ethnic group that has a conservative nature and protects it by regulations using the fady (ban or taboo).

The park enjoys a dry tropical climate marked by two contrasting seasons: Rainy from November to April and dry between May and October. The opening of the park depends on the accessibility of the dirt road connecting Morondava and Bekopaka, usually from May to November. There are various ways how to get to the park:

By car (4x4)

  • Antananarivo - Morondava (600km) and then Morondava - Belo sur Tsiribihina - Bekopaka (south entrance of the park): 200km along a dirt road, 4x4 is recommended for this 8 hours stretch with at least 1 hour by ferry along the Tsiribihina River (100km north of Morondava).
  • Antananarivo - Antsalova (700km): 200km paved road to Tsiroanomandidy, between Beravina and Morafeno (crossing of the Bongolava mountains) in very bad condition for over 80km. Thereafter Antsalova - Bekopaka: 100km secondary road, 4 hours by 4x4, accessible from May to November.

By taxi-brousse

  • Daily departure from Antananarivo (Fasan'ny Karana station), duration 2 days.

By boat

  • From Ankavandra 3 to 4 days sailing with a pirogue along the Manambolo River until Bekopaka. Ankavandra is only accessible by plane.
  • From Miandrivazo 3 days by motorised pirogue down the Tsiribihina River until reaching Belo sur Tsiribihina. Thereafter along the road: Belo sur Tsiribihina - Bekopaka (100km, 4 hours by 4x4).

By plane

Management and Classification

In 1927, thanks to the biological, geological and archaeological characteristics of the Antsingy, the area was classified as Nature Reserve No. 9. Thereafter it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990 and National Cultural Heritage in 1991. In August 1997, a part of the reserve was changed to national park status to allow the development of ecotourism.

Referring to the international classification of the protected area, following the categorisation by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the protected complex of Tsingy de Bemaraha belongs to Category I and II. In other words, it is classified as:

  • a terrestrial space comprising ecosystems, with remarkable or representative geological or physiological characteristics, managed mainly for the purpose of scientific research and/or environmental monitoring as a Strict Nature Reserve (Category I)
  • a natural terrestrial area, to protect ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations, to ban any exploitation or occupation incompatible with the objectives of the designation and to offer the possibility to visit for spiritual purposes following tradition, for scientific, educational, recreational and touristic reasons, while respecting the natural environment and the culture of communities, as a National Park (Category II)

Objectives of the site

Bemaraha National Park's main role is to maintain natural ecosystems, natural habitats and their biodiversity as well as exceptional natural landscapes.

Within the western ecoregion, Bemaraha is a centre of endemism both for flora and fauna. It is one of the protected areas that is the richest in faunistic species and especially in karstic ecosystems (in the western ecoregion).

The protected area Tsingy de Bemaraha complex also plays an important ecological role in the region. It is a water source for the entire downstream part of the Bemaraha plateau, especially at the level of the Manambolomaty lakes complex (one of the three RAMSAR sites in Madagascar - wetlands of international importance) and at the level of the rice granary of the region: Lake Bemamba.

The rivers draining the Antsingy are permanent streams.

It is not the rivers or streams originating in the Antsingy that are responsible for this ecological function but it is the forest cover on limestone plateau. It retains the rainwater and then allows it to infiltrate little by little and feed the springs throughout the year.

Conservation targets

Endemic species require specific conservation actions as they are subject to pressure. They are key elements in the protected area and are referred to as conservation targets.

For the protected area Tsingy de Bemaraha complex they are:

  • Habitats
    • dense dry forest on limestone plateau: Highly fragmented forest formation; tpyical vegetation on karst (very fragile); natural habitat of many wildlife species
    • water system: The water system that drains the Antsingy has positive impacts on the ecological balance of the region, but currently there is a slight decrease in water regime

Note: Plant species are not to be considered as conservation targets in their own right, as it is better to manage forest habitats to conserve plant species rather than to manage them individually.

The site and local population

Human pressures and their impacts are the main threats to conservation targets. Indeed, the park is subject to various pressures such as:

  • Fire

The fires are periodic from June to October. Every year almost all the savanna (outside and inside the protected area) is burnt. Fortunately, the fires can not spread into the forest due to the bedrock, but mostly affect the borders.

  • Illegal logging

The local population harvests timber from the forest to meet their daily needs. Therefore they target trees with a diameter between 3cm and 20cm. Very few woods with a diameter greater than 30cm are cut. The cutting period is between June and November.

  • Land clearing

Land clearing is also one of the factors for forest degradation, even if the annually affected area is still minimal (1.20ha in 2001). The laying of lemur traps is one of the reasons for those clearings.

  • Hunting

Some lemur species are hunted, especially diurnal species. Most of the hunting takes place during the end of the rainy season from March to May.

  • Collecting wildlife

In recent years, wildlife species such as reptiles have been collected illegally for commercial purposes. The collection period takes place during the wet season. The caught animals are sent to the main collector in Antananarivo and from there enter the network of international wildlife trafficking. Note: Since the cancellation of the Air Madagascar flight to Antsalova, this illegal practice diminished.

Madagascar National Park's actions are not limited to the protection and preservation of natural species. Indeed, the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park brings benefits to the local population while ensuring conservation through the development of ecotourism. By involving women and men in ecotourism activities, the national park provides jobs in the fields of guidance, portage, guarding, transport by cart and canoe, accommodation and catering.

In addition, 50% of the entrance fees for the protected areas are transferred to the local population to finance micro-community projects. Since 1999, communes such as Bekopaka and Antsalova have benefited from the construction of schools, classrooms, public laundries, wells, water retention dams and a fokontany office.

Fauna

Due to the diverse environment and habitat there is an extremely rich fauna present in the park:

Group Species Endemic Non-endemic Unknown
Insectivore 3 3 0 0
Rodents 5 3 2 0
Chiropteras 16 13 3 0
Carnivores 4 3 1 0
Primates 11 11 0 0
Ungulates 1 0 1 0
Birds 103 72 29 2
Reptiles 87 73 6 6
Amphibians 34 33 2 0
Rhopalocera 112 1 0 111


Lemurs

Tsingy de Bemaraha IMG 4806.jpg

Different research has identified a total of 11 lemur species:

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Cheirogaleidae Cheirogaleus medius Fat-tailed dwarf lemur Kelibehoho endemic
Cheirogaleidae Microcebus murinus Grey mouse lemur Tilitiliva endemic
Cheirogaleidae Microcebus myoxinus Peters' mouse lemur Malagnira regionally endemic
Cheirogaleidae Mirza coquereli Coquerel's giant mouse lemur Kifonjitsy endemic
Cheirogaleidae Phaner pallescens Western fork-crowned lemur Tanta endemic
Lemuridae Lepilemur ruficaudatus Red-tailed sportive lemur Boenga endemic
Lemuridae Eulemur rufus Red lemur Gidro endemic
Hapalemuridae Hapalemur occidentalis Western grey bamboo lemur Bekolà regionally endemic
Daubentonidae Daubentonia madagascariensis Aye-aye Bekapaky endemic
Indriidae Avahi cleesei Bemaraha woolly lemur Dadintsifaka locally endemic
Indriidae Propithecus deckenii Van der Decken's sifaka Sifaka regionally endemic


Bats

Bemaraha is home to five bat families:

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Pteropodidae Pteropus rufus Madagascan flying fox Fanihy endemic
Pteropodidae Eidolon dupreanum Madagascan fruit bat Angavo endemic
Pteropodidae Rousettus madagascariensis Madagascan rousette   endemic
Emballonuridae Emballonura atrata Peters's sheath-tailed bat Kinakina endemic
Emballonuridae Taphozous mauritianus Mauritian tomb bat Kinakina  
Hipposideridae Paratriaenops furculus formerly Triaenops furculus Trouessart’s trident bat Kinakina endemic
Hipposideridae Triaenops menamena formerly Triaenops rufus Rufous trident bat Kinakina endemic
Hipposideridae Hipposideros commersoni Commerson's leaf-nosed bat Kinakina  
Molossidae Otomops madagascariensis Madagascar free-tailed bat Kinakina endemic
Molossidae Chaerephon leucogaster Grandidier's free-tailed bat Kinakina endemic
Molossidae Mops leucostigma Malagasy white-bellied free-tailed bat Kinakina  
Vespertilionidae Miniopterus gleni Glen's long-fingered bat Kinakina endemic
Vespertilionidae Miniopterus majori Major's long-fingered bat Kinakina endemic
Vespertilionidae Miniopterus manavi Manavi long-fingered bat Kinakina endemic
Vespertilionidae Myotis goudoti Malagasy mouse-eared bat Kinakina endemic
Vespertilionidae Scotophilus tandrefana Western yellow bat Kinakina regionally endemic


Carnivores

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Viveridae Eupleres goudotii Falanouc Kary endemic
Viveridae Cryptoprocta ferox Fossa Fosa endemic
Viveridae Viverricula indica Small Indian civet Jaboady  
Herpestidae Galidia elegans occidentalis Malagasy ring-tailed mongoose Vontsira locally endemic


Rats

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Muridae Eliurus antsingy Tsingy tuft-tailed rat   regionally endemic
Muridae Eliurus myoxinus Dormouse tufted-tailed rat   endemic
Muridae Nesomys lambertoni Lowland red forest rat Kibojenjy locally endemic
Muridae Mus musculus House mouse Totozy  
Muridae Rattus rattus Black rat Voalavo  


Birds

Bemaraha is very rich in birds. 103 species can be found in the area:

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Accipitridae Accipiter henstii Henst's goshawk Firasabe or Fandrasabe endemic
Accipitridae Accipiter madagascariensis Madagascar sparrowhawk Firasa endemic
Accipitridae Aviceda madagascariensis Madagascar cuckoo-hawk Bobaka endemic
Accipitridae Buteo brachypterus Madagascar buzzard Hindry endemic
Accipitridae Circus macrosceles Malagasy harrier   endemic
Accipitridae Circus maillardi Réunion harrier Fanindry regionally endemic
Accipitridae Haliaeetus vociferoides Madagascar fish eagle Ankoay or Ankoy endemic
Accipitridae Machaeramphus alcinus Bat hawk Rehila endemic
Accipitridae Milvus aegyptius Yellow-billed kite Papango  
Accipitridae Polybroides radiatus Madagascar harrier-hawk Fihaka or Fihiaky endemic
Alaudidae Mirafra hova Madagascar lark Sorohitra endemic
Alcedinidae Alcedo vintsioides Madagascar kingfisher Vintsirano regionally endemic
Alcedinidae Ceyx madagascariensis or Corythornis madagascariensis Madagascar pygmy-kingfisher Vintsiala endemic
Anatidae Dendrocygna viduata White-faced whistling duck Tsiriry  
Anatidae Sarkidiornis melanotos Knob-billed duck Tsivongo-Arosy  
Anhingidae Anhinga melanogaster Oriental Darter Voronalavambozona  
Apodidae Apus barbatus African black swift Tsiditsidina  
Apodidae Apus melba Alpine swift Tsiditsidina  
Apodidae Cypsiurus parvus African palm swift Tsiditsidina  
Apodidae Zoonavena grandidieri Madagascar spinetail Tsiditsidina regionally endemic
Ardeidae Ardea cinerea Grey heron Vanokasira  
Ardeidae Ardea purpurea Purple heron Vanomena  
Ardeidae Ardeola idae Madagascar pond-heron Mpiandrivoditatatrafotsy endemic
Ardeidae Ardeola ralloides Squacco heron Mpiandrivoditatatra  
Ardeidae Bubulcus ibis Cattle egret Vorompotsy  
Ardeidae Butorides striatus Green-backed heron Vorompantsika  
Ardeidae Egretta ardesiaca Black heron Lombokomana  
Ardeidae Egretta dimorpha Dimorphic egret Vanofotsy regionally endemic
Ardeidae Ixobrychus minutus Common little bittern    
Campephagidae Coracina cinerea Madagascar cuckoo-shrike Vorondavenona regionally endemic
Caprimulgidae Caprimulgus madagascariensis Madagascar nightjar Matoriandro regionally endemic
Charadriidae Charadrius hiaticula Common ringed plover Vikiviky  
Charadriidae Charadrius tricollaris African three-banded plover Vikiviky  
Columbidae Oena capensis Namaqua dove Katoto  
Columbidae Streptopelia picturata Madagascar turtle-dove Domohina regionally endemic
Columbidae Treron australis Madagascar green pigeon Voronadabo-Fonimaitso regionally endemic
Coraciidae Eurystomus glaucurus Broad-billed roller Vorombaratra  
Corvidae Corvus albus Pied crow Goaika  
Cuculidae Centropus toulou Madagascar coucal Toloho regionally endemic
Cuculidae Coua coquereli Coquerel's coua Gory endemic
Cuculidae Coua cristata Crested coua Tivoky endemic
Cuculidae Coua gigas Giant coua Lejabe-Angojobe endemic
Cuculidae Coua ruficeps Red-capped coua Aliotse-Akoky endemic
Cuculidae Cuculus rochii Madagascar cuckoo Taotaonkafa endemic
Dicrirudae Dicrurus forficatus Crested drongo Railovy regionally endemic
Estrildidae Lonchura nana Madagascar mannikin Tsikirity endemic
Falconidae Falco concolor Sooty falcon Firasambalala endemic
Falconidae Falco newtoni Madagascar kestrel Hitsikitsika regionally endemic
Falconidae Falco zoniventris Banded kestrel Hitsikitsikala endemic
Hirundinidae Phedina borbonica Mascarene martin Tsiditsidina endemic
Leptosomatidae Leptosomus discolor Cuckoo-roller Vorondreo regionally endemic
Meropidae Merops superciliosus Olive bee-eater Kirikioka  
Monarchidae Terpsiphone mutata Madagascar paradise-flycatcher Tsingitry  
Motacillidae Motacilla flaviventris Madagascar wagtail Triotrio endemic
Nectarinidae Cinnyris notatus or Nectarinia notata Madagascar green sunbird Soimangabe regionally endemic
Nectarinidae Cinnyris souimanga or Nectarinia souimanga Souimanga sunbird Soimangakely regionally endemic
Numididae Numida meleagris Helmeted guineafowl Akanga  
Phalacrocoracidae Microcarbo africanus Long-tailed cormorant Barafilo  
Phasianidae Coturnix delegorguei Harlequin quail Kibonaomby endemic
Phasianidae Margaroperdrix madagascariensis Tsipohy endemic
Philepittidae Philepitta schlegeli Schlegel's asity Asity endemic
Ploceidae Foudia madagascariensis Madagascar red fody Fody endemic
Podicipedidae Tachybaptus pelzelnii Madagascar grebe Vivy endemic
Podicipedidae Tachybaptus ruficollis Little grebe Vivy  
Psittacidae Agapornis canus Grey-headed lovebird Karaoke-Sarivazo endemic
Psittacidae Coracopsis nigra Lesser vasa parrot Bolokikely  
Psittacidae Coracopsis vasa Greater vasa parrot Bolokibe  
Pteroclididae Pterocles personatus Madagascar sandgrouse Katakatra endemic
Pycnonotidae Bernieria madagascariensis Long-billed bernieria   endemic
Pycnonotidae Hypsipetes madagascariensis Madagascar bulbul Tsikorovana  
Rallidae Canirallus kioloides Madagascar wood-rail Vorotrandraka endemic
Rallidae Dryolimnas cuvieri White-throated rail Tsikoza regionally endemic
Rallidae Gallinula chloropus Common moorhen Akohondrano  
Recurvirostridae Himantopus himantopus Black-winged stilt Takapaly  
Scolopacida Actitis hypoleucos Common sandpiper Vikiviky  
Scopidae Scopus umbretta Hamerkop Takatra  
Strigidae Asio madagascariensis Madagascar long-eared owl Hankà endemic
Strigidae Ninox superciliaris White-browed hawk-owl Tovotovoka endemic
Strigidae Otus rutilus Madagascar scops-owl Torotoroka regionally endemic
Sturnidae Hartlaubius auratus Madagascar starling Vorontainomby endemic
Sylvidae Acrocephalus newtoni Madagascar swamp-warbler Vorombatra endemic
Sylvidae Cisticola cherina Madagascar cisticola Tsintsina endemic
Sylvidae Neomixis tenella Common jery Jijy endemic
Sylvidae Nesillas typica Madagascar brush-warbler Poretaka regionally endemic
Sylvidae Newtonia brunneicauda Common newtonia Tretreka endemic
Threskiornithidae Lophotibis cristata Madagascar crested ibis Akohonala endemic
Turdidae Copsychus albospecularis Madagascar magpie-robin Fitatrala endemic
Turdidae Monticola sharpei Forest rock-thrush Androbaka endemic
Turdidae '   Vorombato regionally endemic
Turdidae Saxicola torquatus Common stonechat Fitadroranga  
Turnicidae Turnix nigricollis Madagascar buttonquail Kibobo endemic
Tytonidae Tyto alba Common barn-owl Vorondolo  
Upupidae Upupa marginata Madagascar hoopoe Takodara  
Vangidae Artamella viridis White-headed vanga Voromasiaka endemic
Vangidae Calicalicus madagascariensis Red-tailed vanga Totokarasoroka endemic
Vangidae Cyanolanius madagascarinus Blue vanga Patsatsatrala regionally endemic
Vangidae Falculea palliata Sickle-billed vanga Voronjaza endemic
Vangidae Leptopterus chabert Chabert's vanga Patsatsatra endemic
Vangidae Vanga curvirostris Hook-billed vanga Vangasoratra endemic
Zosteropidae Zosterops maderaspatanus Malagasy white-eye Fotsimaso regionally endemic


Reptiles

Tsingy de Bemaraha IMG 4715.jpg

Bemaraha is the richest in reptile and amphibian species of all the deciduous forests in western Madagascar.

Skinks:

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Scincidae Amphiglossus reticulatus or "Amphiglossus waterloti" Madagascar giant water skink   endemic
Scincidae Amphiglossus ornaticeps Gray skink   endemic
Scincidae Trachylepis aureopunctata or Mabuya aureopunctata Gold-spotted mabuya   endemic
Scincidae Trachylepis dumasi or Mabuya dumasi     endemic
Scincidae Trachylepis elegans or Mabuya elegans Elegant Mabuya   endemic
Scincidae Trachylepis gravenhorstii or Mabuya gravenhorstii Gravenhorst's mabuya   endemic
Scincidae Trachylepis tandrefana or Mabuya tandrefana     regionally endemic
Scincidae Trachylepis volamenaloha or Mabuya volamenaloha     locally endemic


Iguanas / Lizards:

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Opluridae Oplurus cuvieri Cuvier's Madagascar swift Androngovato  
Opluridae Oplurus cyclurus Merrem's Madagascar swift   endemic
Iguanidae Chalarodon madagascariensis Madagascar iguana Hatsatsaka regionally endemic
Gerrhosauridae Zonosaurus bemaraha     locally endemic
Gerrhosauridae Zonosaurus karsteni Karsten's girdled lizard   endemic
Gerrhosauridae Zonosaurus laticaudatus Western girdled lizard   endemic
Gerrhosauridae Zonosaurus madagascariensis Madagascar girdled lizard or Madagascar plated lizard   endemic


Chameleons

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Chamaeleonidae Brookesia brygooi Brygoo's leaf chameleon   endemic
Chamaeleonidae Brookesia exarmata Dwarf chameleon   locally endemic
Chamaeleonidae Brookesia perarmata Antsingy leaf chameleon Ramilaheloka locally endemic
Chamaeleonidae Furcifer lateralis Carpet chameleon or White-lined chameleon   endemic
Chamaeleonidae Furcifer nicosiai Nicosia's chameleon   locally endemic
Chamaeleonidae Furcifer oustaleti Malagasy giant chameleon or Oustalets's chameleon Sakorita endemic
Chamaeleonidae Furcifer petteri Petter's chameleon Sakorita endemic


Geckos

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Gekkonidae Geckolepis maculata Peters' Spotted Gecko   endemic
Gekkonidae Hemidactylus mercatorius "House gecko"   endemic
Gekkonidae Blaesodactylus sakalava     regionally endemic
Gekkonidae Lygodactylus klemmeri Malagasy dwarf gecko   locally endemic
Gekkonidae Lygodactylus ornatus Ornate dwarf gecko   endemic
Gekkonidae Lygodactylus heterurus Boettger's dwarf gecko   endemic
Gekkonidae Lygodactylus miops Günther's dwarf gecko   endemic
Gekkonidae Lygodactylus tolampyae Grandidier's dwarf gecko   regionally endemic
Gekkonidae Paragehyra petiti Angel's petite gecko   endemic
Gekkonidae Paroedura bastardi Mocquard's Madagascar ground gecko   endemic
Gekkonidae Paroedura homalorhina Northern Madagascar ground gecko   endemic
Gekkonidae Paroedura karstophila     endemic
Gekkonidae Paroedura stumpffi     endemic
Gekkonidae Paroedura tanjaka     regionally endemic
Gekkonidae Phelsuma abbotti Abbott's day gecko    
Gekkonidae Phelsuma madagascariensis kochi Madagascar day gecko Hatsatsamaintso endemic
Gekkonidae Phelsuma mutabilis Thick tail gecko Hatsatsamaintso regionally endemic
Gekkonidae Uroplatus fimbriatus Giant leaf-tailed gecko or Common flat-tail gecko Tahafisaka endemic
Gekkonidae Uroplatus guentheri Gunther's flat-tail gecko or Guenther's leaf-tail gecko   regionally endemic
Gekkonidae Uroplatus henkeli Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko Seseke regionally endemic
Gekkonidae Uroplatus ebenaui Spearpoint leaf-tail gecko or Spear-tailed gecko   endemic


Snakes

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Typhlopidae Rhamphotyphlops braminus Brahminy blind snake    
Typhlopidae Typhlops reuteri Reuters blind snake   endemic
Boidae Acrantophis dumerili Dumeril's boa Do endemic
Boidae Sanzinia madagascariensis ssp. madagascariensis (East) Malagasy tree boa Manditra endemic
Boidae Sanzinia madagascariensis ssp. volontany (West) Malagasy tree boa Manditra endemic
Colubridae Alluaudina bellyi     endemic
Colubridae Dromicodryas bernieri Bernier's striped snake   endemic
Colubridae Dromicodryas quadrilineatus Four-striped snake   endemic
Colubridae Ithycyphus miniatus Tiny night snake   endemic
Colubridae Ithycyphus oursi     endemic
Colubridae Langaha madagascariensis formerly Langaha nasuta Madagascar leaf-nosed snake   endemic
Colubridae Leioheterodon madagascariensis Giant Madagascan hognose Menarana endemic
Colubridae Leioheterodon modestus Blonde hognose snake Sabomalandy endemic
Colubridae Liophidium rhodogaster Gold-collared snake   endemic
Colubridae Liopholidophis lateralis Lateral water snake   endemic
Colubridae Liopholidophis stumpffi Yellow-striped water snake   endemic
Colubridae Madagascarophis colubrinus citrinus "Madagascar cat-eyed snake"   endemic
Colubridae Madagascarophis colubrinus occidentalis "Madagascar cat-eyed snake" Alapata endemic
Colubridae Mimophis mahfalensis Pencil snake   endemic
Colubridae Pseudoxyrhopus     endemic
Colubridae Phisalixella arctifasciata or Stenophis arctifasciatus     endemic
Colubridae Lycodryas citrinus or Stenophis citrinus     endemic
Colubridae Lycodryas gaimardi or Stenophis gaimardi     endemic
Colubridae Lycodryas pseudogranuliceps or Stenophis pseudogranuliceps     locally endemic


Crocodile / Turtles / Tortoise

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Crocodylidae Crocodylus niloticus Nile crocodile Voay  
Pelomedusidae Erymnochelis madagascariensis Madagascar big-headed turtle Rere endemic
Pelomedusidae Pelomedusa subrufa Helmeted turtle Kapika  
Pelomedusidae Pelusios subniger East African black mud turtle    
Testudinidae Pyxis planicauda Flat-tailed tortoise Kapidolo endemic

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the turtle species Erymnochelys madagascariensis is "critically endangered".


Amphibians

Bemaraha National Park is home to 34 species of amphibians:

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Ranidae Hoplobatrachus tigerinus Indus valley bullfrog Tsirevo  
Ranidae Ptychadena mascareniensis Mascarene grass frog or Mascarene ridged frog Sahona  
Ranidae Tomopterna labrosa "Madagascar sand frog"   endemic
Hyperoliidae Heterixalus betsileo Betsileo reed frog   endemic
Hyperoliidae Heterixalus carbonei     locally endemic
Hyperoliidae Heterixalus luteostriatus     regionally endemic
Microhylidae Dyscophus insularis Antsouhy tomato frog   endemic
Microhylidae Plethodontohyla notosticta Mahanoro digging frog   endemic
Microhylidae Scaphiophryne calcarata Moquard's burrowing frog   endemic
Microhylidae Scaphiophryne marmorata Marbled rain frog or Green burrowing frog   endemic
Microhylidae Scaphiophryne menabensis     regionally endemic
Microhylidae Stumpffia     endemic
Mantellidae Aglyptodactylus madagascariensis Madagascar jumping frog   endemic
Mantellidae Boophis occidentalis Western white lipped treefrog Sahomaintso endemic
Mantellidae Boophis luteus Ankafana bright-eyed frog   endemic
Mantellidae Boophis doulioti     endemic
Mantellidae Boophis tephraeomystax Dumeril's bright-eyed frog   endemic
Mantellidae Laliostoma labrosum Madagascar bullfrog   endemic
Mantellidae Mantella betsileo Brown Mantella Sahomena endemic
Mantellidae Mantidactylus biporus Two-pore Madagascar frog   endemic
Mantellidae Gephyromantis corvus formerly Mantidactylus corvus Isalo Madagascar frog   endemic
Mantellidae Mantidactylus curtus Ankafana Madagascar frog   endemic
Mantellidae Gephyromantis luteus formerly Mantidactylus luteus White folohy Madagascar frog   endemic
Mantellidae Gephyromantis granulatus formerly Mantidactylus granulatus Grainy Madagascar frog   endemic
Mantellidae Mantidactylus sp. (cf corvus) prob M.tsingy   Sahotsingy locally endemic
Mantellidae Mantidactylus ulcerosus Warty Madagascar frog   endemic
Mantellidae Mantidactylus wittei Witte's Madagascar frog   endemic


Butterflies (diurnal)

Tsingy de Bemaraha IMG 4909.jpg

Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Callinduridae Griveaudia vieui      
Hesperiidae Borbo borbonica Borbo skipper or Zeller's skipper    
Hesperiidae Borbo gemella Twin swift    
Hesperiidae Borbo havei      
Hesperiidae Coeliades ernesti      
Hesperiidae Coeliades forestas cubegastei      
Hesperiidae Coeliades rama      
Hesperiidae Coeliades ramanatek      
Hesperiidae Fulda australis      
Hesperiidae Fulda bernieri      
Hesperiidae Fulda lucida      
Hesperiidae Fulda rhadama      
Hesperiidae Miraja      
Hesperiidae Parnara naso poutieri African straight or Straight swift    
Hesperiidae Pelopidas mathias Dark small-branded swift, Small branded swift or Lesser millet skipper    
Hesperiidae Tagiades insularis      
Hesperiidae Tagiades samborana      
Lycaenidae Anthene princeps Cupreous hairtail    
Lycaenidae Azanus jesous African babul blue    
Lycaenidae Azanus sitalces sitalces Large Madagascar babul blue    
Lycaenidae Chilades minuscula      
Lycaenidae Deudorix antalus Brown playboy    
Lycaenidae Euchrysops decaryi      
Lycaenidae Euchrysops malathana Common smoky blue    
Lycaenidae Euchrysops osoris Osiris smoky blue or African cupid    
Lycaenidae Hemiolaus cobaltina      
Lycaenidae Hypolycaena philippus ssp. ramonza Purple-brown hairstreak or Common hairstreak    
Lycaenidae Lampides boeticus Long-tailed blue    
Lycaenidae Leptomyrina phidias Madagascar black-eye    
Lycaenidae Leptotes pirithous Lang's short-tailed blue    
Lycaenidae Leptotes rabefaner      
Lycaenidae Zizeeria knysna Dark grass blue or African grass blue    
Lycaenidae Zizina antanossa Dark grass blue or Clover blue    
Lycaenidae Zizula hylax Tiny grass blue or Gaika blue    
Nymphalidae Acraea dissimilis      
Nymphalidae Acraea encedon Common acraea or White-barred acraea    
Nymphalidae Acraea eponina Orange acraea    
Nymphalidae Acraea igati      
Nymphalidae Acraea mahela      
Nymphalidae Acraea ranavalona      
Nymphalidae Acraea turna      
Nymphalidae Acraea zitja      
Nymphalidae Amauris nossima antsingyi "Madagascan friar"   locally endemic
Nymphalidae Apaturopsis kilusa      
Nymphalidae Apaturopsis paulianii      
Nymphalidae Byblia anvatara anvatara Common joker    
Nymphalidae Charaxes andara      
Nymphalidae Charaxes andranodorus      
Nymphalidae Charaxes antamboulou Madagascar green-veined charaxes    
Nymphalidae Charaxes zoolina betsimisaraka Club-tailed emperor or Club-tailed charaxes    
Nymphalidae Cymothoe lambertoni      
Nymphalidae Cyrestis camillus elegans African map butterfly    
Nymphalidae Danaus chrysippus Plain tiger or African monarch    
Nymphalidae Eurantha madagascariensis      
Nymphalidae Eurica madagascariensis      
Nymphalidae Eurytela dryope lineata Golden piper    
Nymphalidae Henotesia ankaratra      
Nymphalidae Henotesia laeta      
Nymphalidae Henotesia maeva      
Nymphalidae Henotesia narcissus fraterna      
Nymphalidae Hypolimnas deceptor Deceptive eggfly    
Nymphalidae Hypolimnas misippus Danaid eggfly    
Nymphalidae Libythea tsiandava      
Nymphalidae Melanitis leda ssp. helena Common evening brown    
Nymphalidae Aterica rabena      
Nymphalidae Neptidopsis fulgurata fulgurata Malagasy sailer or Barred false sailer    
Nymphalidae Neptis kikideli      
Nymphalidae Pardopsis punctatissima Polka dot    
Nymphalidae Phalanta madagascariensis      
Nymphalidae Phalanta phalantha aethiopica Common leopard or Spotted rustic    
Nymphalidae Precis andremiaja Banded commodore    
Nymphalidae Precis eurodoce      
Nymphalidae Precis goudotii      
Nymphalidae Junonia hierta or Precis hierta Yellow pansy    
Nymphalidae Junonia oenone or Precis oenone epicletia Blue pansy    
Nymphalidae Junonia rhadama or Precis rhadama Brilliant blue    
Nymphalidae Pseudacraea imerina      
Nymphalidae Pseudacraea peyrierasi      
Nymphalidae Protogoniomorpha anacardii ssp. duprei or Salamis anacardii duprei Clouded mother-of-pearl    
Nymphalidae Salamis anteva      
Nymphalidae Strabena goudotii      
Nymphalidae Strabena tamatave      
Nymphalidae Zicochrysops sanguigulla      
Papilionidae Graphium cyrnus Red-veined swallowtail    
Papilionidae Graphium evombar      
Papilionidae Papilio dardanus African swallowtail or Mocker swallowtail    
Papilionidae Papilio delalandei     endemic
Papilionidae Papilio demodocus Citrus swallowtail or Christmas butterfly    
Papilionidae Papilio epiphorbas      
Papilionidae Papilio erithonioides      
Papilionidae Papilio grosesmithi      
Papilionidae Papilio morondavana Madagascan emperor swallowtail    
Papilionidae Pharmacophagus antenor Madagascar giant swallowtail    
Pieridae Appias sabina Sabine albatross or Albatross white    
Pieridae Belenois grandidieri      
Pieridae Belenois helcida      
Pieridae Belenois mabella      
Pieridae Catopsilia florella African migrant or Common vagrant    
Pieridae Catopsilia thauruma Madagascar migrant    
Pieridae Colotis evanthe      
Pieridae Colotis lucasi Giant orange-tip    
Pieridae Eurema brigitta pulchella Small grass yellow or Broad-bordered grass yellow    
Pieridae Eurema desjardinsii desjardinsii Angled grass yellow    
Pieridae Eurema floricola floricola Malagasy grass yellow    
Pieridae Leptosia alcesta sylvicola African wood white    
Pieridae Mylothris phileris      
Uraniidae Acropteris      
Uraniidae Chrysiridia rhipheus Madagascan sunset moth    


Flora

The area has a unique vegetation and endemic flora:

  • Dense deciduous forest primarily tropophyl - typical of the western ecoregion - forming a continuous massif in the western part of the park and intersected by savannas in the eastern part.
  • Several vegetation types, ranging from very dry on the limestone slabs to wet in the canyons and along rivers. 86% of the plant species are endemic, about 650 were inventoried.

Faced with the particular ecological conditions of the environment, there are various forms of adaptation in the park:

  • Spinescence (leaves become spines to limit water loss)
  • Pachycaul (the trunks grow disproportionately to store water)
  • Reviviscence (vegetative parts dry out and continue with a slowed life before the arrival of rain)
  • Dwarfism (short in stature)

With regard to floristic species, the plant formations of the Antsingy include more than 830 species which consist of:

Group Family Genus Species
Angiospermae / Dicotyledons (flowering plants) 84 357 642
Monocotyledons (flowering plants which seeds typically contain only one embryonic leaf) 21 98 175
Pteridophytes (vascular plants which reproduce via spores) 5 14 16
Total 110 469 833


The inventory identified:

Dicotyledons







Family Scientific name English name Malagasy name Endemicity
Acanthaceae Asystasia coromandeliana Nees or Asystasia gangetica Chinese violet, Coromandel or Creeping foxglove    
Acanthaceae Barleria humilis     endemic
Acanthaceae Barleria prionitis Porcupine flower Lengondroy  
Acanthaceae Blepharis crinita     endemic
Acanthaceae Dicliptera leandrii      
Acanthaceae Dicliptera ocymoides      
Acanthaceae Ecbolium syringifolium     endemic
Acanthaceae Forsythiopsis vincoides or Oplonia vincoides   Ananahontsy endemic
Acanthaceae Hypoestes arachnopus     endemic
Acanthaceae Hypoestes penicillata     endemic
Acanthaceae Hypoestes   Ahimalemy endemic
Acanthaceae Justicia gendarussa      
Acanthaceae Justicia tenella      
Acanthaceae Mendoncia flagellaris   Vahirano endemic
Acanthaceae Neuracanthus leandrii   Soasompa endemic
Acanthaceae Stenandriopsis thompsoni     endemic
Acanthaceae Thunbergia alata Black-eyed susan vine    
Aizoaceae Mollugo oppositifolia or Glinus oppositifolius Slender carpet-weed Anamafaiky  
Amaranthaceae Achyranthes aspera Devil's horsewhip or Chaff-flower Tsipotiky  
Amaranthaceae Celosia argentea Quail grass or Common cockscomb Tsiparaky  
Amaranthaceae Crinum firmifolium      
Anacardiaceae Abrahamia humbertii   Ditimena endemic
Anacardiaceae Abrahamia sericea     endemic
Anacardiaceae Anacardium occidentale Cashew Mahabibo  
Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica Mango or Indian mango Manga  
Anacardiaceae Micronychia perrieri   Taranta-Tsitaky endemic
Anacardiaceae Poupartia caffra   Sakoa  
Anacardiaceae Poupartia chapelieri   Sakoambanditsy endemic
Anacardiaceae Poupartia gummifera   Sakoambanditsy endemic
Anacardiaceae Poupartia minor   Sakoanala endemic
Anacardiaceae Poupartia silvatica   Sakoambanditsy endemic
Anacardiaceae Sorindeia madagascariensis var. thouarsii   Vonotandraky  
Anisophylleaceae Anisophyllea fallax   Hazomamy endemic
Annonaceae Ambavia gerardii   Hazombavy endemic
Annonaceae Artabotrys madagascariensis   Voavahy endemic
Annonaceae Isolona madagascariensis   Ombary endemic
Annonaceae Monanthotaxis boivinii   Fotsiavadika endemic
Annonaceae Monanthotaxis valida     endemic
Annonaceae Polyalthia henricii     endemic
Annonaceae Uvaria amplexicaulis     endemic
Annonaceae Uvaria combretifolia   Hazompoty endemic
Annonaceae Uvaria leandriana     endemic
Annonaceae Xylopia cf madagascariensis   Taipapango endemic
Apiaceae Centella asiatica Centella or Gotu cola Talapetraka  
Apiaceae Centella coriacea   Villihitsahona  
Apocynaceae Alafia perrieri     endemic
Apocynaceae Alafia thouarsii     endemic
Apocynaceae Baseonema      
Apocynaceae Carissa edulis Conkerberry or Bush plum Fahavalonkazo endemic
Apocynaceae Carissa septentrionalis   Tsionala endemic
Apocynaceae Carissa sessiliflora   Voantsikopika endemic
Apocynaceae Catharanthus roseus Madagascar periwinkle Vonenona endemic
Apocynaceae Cerbera venenifera   Tangena endemic
Apocynaceae Landolphia perrieri   Piralahy endemic
Apocynaceae Mascarenhansia arborescens   Gidroa  
Apocynaceae Mascarenhansia lisianthiflora   Gidroa endemic
Apocynaceae Pachypodium lamerei "Madagascar palm" Vontaky endemic
Apocynaceae Pachypodium rosulatum Elephant's foot plant Vontaky endemic
Apocynaceae Pachypodium rutenbergianum   Vontaky endemic
Apocynaceae Pachypodium sofiense   Vontaky endemic
Apocynaceae Petchia erythrocarpa   Andriambavifohy endemic
Apocynaceae Plectaneia rhomboidalis   Vahitsindy endemic
Apocynaceae Stephanostegia hildebrandti     endemic
Apocynaceae Tabernaemontana calcarea   Sarikaboky endemic
Apocynaceae Tabernaemontana coffeoides   Popoly endemic
Apocynaceae Voacanga thouarsii   Kaboka  
Araliaceae Polyscias grevei     endemic
Araliaceae Schefflera cf. boivini     endemic
Asclepiadaceae Cryptostegia grandiflora   Lombiro  
Asclepiadaceae Cryptostegia madagascariensis Madagascar rubbervine Lombiro endemic
Asclepiadaceae Cynanchum arenarium      
Asclepiadaceae Cynanchum danguyanum      
Asclepiadaceae Cynanchum eurychitoides     endemic
Asclepiadaceae Cynanchum gerardii      
Asclepiadaceae Cynanchum mangokense     endemic
Asclepiadaceae Gomphocarpus fruticosus Narrow-leaf cotton bush or African milkweed Tsinoronoro-Fanoro  
Asclepiadaceae Gonocrypta grevei      
Asclepiadaceae Leptadenia madagascariensis   Vahironto endemic
Asclepiadaceae Marsdenia verrucosa      
Asclepiadaceae Pycnoneurum junciforme      
Asclepiadaceae Secamone ankarensis   Kisompa  
Asclepiadaceae Secamone cloiselii     endemic
Asclepiadaceae Secamone tenuifolia     endemic
Asteraceae Ageratum conyzoides Billygoat weed Bemaimbo  
Asteraceae Bidens bipinnata Spanish-needles Tsipolitrala  
Asteraceae Blainvillea latifolia      
Asteraceae Brachylaena perrieri   Mera endemic
Asteraceae Crassocephalum sarcobasis   Anandambo  
Asteraceae Dicoma incana   Peha endemic
Asteraceae Elephantopus scaber Elephants-foot    
Asteraceae Eriosoma psoroleioides   Voapika  
Asteraceae Helichrysum leucosphaerum   Sarirambiazy endemic
Asteraceae Helichrysum triplinerve   Zavontany endemic
Asteraceae Laggera alata      
Asteraceae Mikania scandens Climbing hempvine Vahimbararata  
Asteraceae Psiadia altissima   Dingadinga  
Asteraceae Pluchea bojeri   Famonty endemic
Asteraceae Senecio      
Asteraceae Tridax procumbens Tridax daisy or Coatbuttons Angamay  
Asteraceae Vernonia grandis   Ambiaty-Benty lahy endemic
Asteraceae Vernonia polygalaefolia   Kanda endemic
Asteraceae Vigna angivensis      
Balsaminaceae Impatiens Jewelweed or Snapweed    
Begoniaceae Begonia antsingyensis     locally endemic
Begoniaceae Begonia bekopakensis     locally endemic
Begoniaceae Begonia goudotii   Mahabetany endemic
Begoniaceae Begonia majungaensis     endemic
Bignoniaceae Fernandoa madagascariensis   Somotsoy endemic
Bignoniaceae Phyllarthron bernerianum   Tohiravy endemic
Bignoniaceae Phyllarthron subembelletum   Tohiravy endemic
Bignoniaceae Phylloctenium bernieri   Voantsakalava- Fatipatikala endemic
Bignoniaceae Stereospermum euphoroides   Mangarahara endemic
Bignoniaceae Stereospermum variabile   Mangarahara endemic
Boraginaceae Cordia mairei   Varo endemic
Boraginaceae Cordia subcordata Mareer or Kerosene tree Varo endemic
Boraginaceae Cynoglossum lanceolatum      
Boraginaceae Ehretia antsingyae   Vatoa endemic
Boraginaceae Ehretia seyrigii     endemic
Boraginaceae Hilsenbergia apetala      
Boraginaceae Hilsenbergia labatii      
Brassicaceae Crateva excelsa     endemic
Brassicaceae Crateva greveana     endemic
Brassicaceae Rorippa micrantha   Sorea  
Brassicaceae Tilachium panduriforme     endemic
Burseraceae Canarium madagascariense   Ramy endemic
Burseraceae Commiphora cf. aprevalii   Arofy-Arofimena endemic
Burseraceae Commiphora grandiflora   Matambelo endemic
Burseraceae Commiphora leandriana   Matambelo endemic
Burseraceae Commiphora pterocarpa   Matambelo endemic
Canellaceae Cinnamosma frangans   Motrobeatinana endemic
Caryophyllaceae Polycarpaea corymbosa      
Caryophyllaceae Polycarpaea erientha      
Celastraceae Brexia madagascariensis     endemic
Celastraceae Brexiella ilicifolia   Rehampy endemic
Celastraceae Celastrus Bittersweet or Staff vine    
Celastraceae Loesneriella urceolus      
Celastraceae Maytenus divaricata     endemic
Celastraceae Polycardia aquifolium   Mamiandravy endemic
Celastraceae Salacia madagascariensis   Vahipindy endemic
Celtidaceae Celtis gomphophylla     endemic
Celtidaceae Celtis philippensis   Tsiambanilaza  
Celtidaceae Trema orientalis Peach cedar Andrarezina  
Clusiaceae Garcinia calcicola   Litsaky endemic
Clusiaceae Garcinia chapelieri   Mokombe endemic
Clusiaceae Garcinia verrucosa   Litsaky endemic
Clusiaceae Harungana madagascariensis Dragon's blood tree or Haronga Harongam-panihy endemic
Clusiaceae Psorospermum cerasifolium   Harongampanihy endemic
Combretaceae Combretum coccineum   Tamenaky endemic
Combretaceae Combretum eriantha   Voanjon'i Letovo  
Combretaceae Combretum macrocalyx   Kijamonjo endemic
Combretaceae Terminalia rhopalophylla   Taliala endemic
Combretaceae Terminalia boivinii   Amaninaomby endemic
Combretaceae Terminalia calcicola      
Combretaceae Terminalia leandriana   Taly endemic
Combretaceae Terminalia namorokensis   Taliala endemic
Combretaceae Terminalia ulexoides   Taly endemic
Connaraceae Rourea orientalis Shortpod Hibaky endemic
Convolvulaceae Argyreia vahibora   Vahibora endemic
Convolvulaceae Bonamia spectabilis     endemic
Convolvulaceae Ipomoea cairica Coast morning glory    
Convolvulaceae Ipomoea desmophylla     endemic
Convolvulaceae Ipomoea eriocarpa   Abotono  
Convolvulaceae Ipomoea longituba     endemic
Convolvulaceae Ipomoea pterygocaulis      
Convolvulaceae Ipomoea quamoclit Cypress vine or Cypressvine morning glory    
Convolvulaceae Ipomoea verbascoidea     endemic
Convolvulaceae Jacquemontia paniculata     endemic
Convolvulaceae Xenostegia tridentata formerly Merremia tridentata Narrow-leaved merremia Atarikolo  
Convolvulaceae Operculina turpethum      
Crassulaceae Kalanchoe aff schizophylla     endemic
Crassulaceae Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri Donkey ears   endemic
Cucurbitacea Cucumis melo Muskmelon Voatavo  
Cucurbitacea Lemurosicyos variegatus   Sarivoasikivy endemic
Cucurbitacea Xerosicyos perrieri     endemic
Dichapetalaceae Dichapetalum bojeri     endemic
Dichapetalaceae Dichapetalum humbertii     endemic
Ebenaceae Diospyros chitonophora   Mapingo endemic
Ebenaceae Diospyros ferrea     endemic
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