Andasibe-Mantadia National Park combines the forests of Mantadia with the Analamazoatra Reserve. The latter is home to habituated groups of indri and visitors are virtually assured of a close sighting of this fabulous lemur.
There are nine species of lemur in the smaller Analamazaotra Reserve, so as well as the indri you may also see the brown, and lesser bamboo lemurs, plus three nocturnal species: rufous mouse, greater dwarf, and eastern woolly lemurs. It has an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, and a well-planned system of trails.
Neighbouring Mantadia, 20 kilometres to the north and a vast tract of protected rainforest, has a hillier terrain, with fewer established trails through its impressive forest. However, explorers may well be rewarded by a sighting of two additional species of lemur not found in Analamazaotra: the black-and-white ruffed lemur and the beautiful diademed sifaka.
The area claims a world record for the number of frog species, which include the brightly coloured golden mantella. Most reptiles and frogs are seen during night walks, particularly during the spring, summer and autumn months, September to May, when nocturnal lemurs are at their most active. There is also a good chance of seeing chameleons, including the impressively long Parson’s chameleon and the tiny nose-horned chameleon, best sighted at the end of the rainy season in October/November.
Over 100 species of birds make the reserve their home, many of which are endemic such as: Madagascar green sunbird, Madagascar falcon, Madagascar long-eared owl and the Madagascar wagtail. Botanists too, will not be disappointed as the dense, humid forest of Andasibe-Mantadia contains lians, moss, fern trees, precious woods, such as pallisander and ebano, and over 100 species of orchid.
Somewhat confusingly, recent name changes mean the park may still be known variously as: Analamazaotra, Périnet or Indri Special Reserve. The Park has good access and lies roughly four hours drive from Antananarivo.
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