Ifaty Spiny Forest

Things to see in Madagascar: Ifaty Spiny Forest

Ring-Tailed Lemur, Spiny Forests, Madagascar, by Nick Garbutt

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Although as yet unprotected, the spiny forests near Ifaty, north of Toliara, are nevertheless of great interest to birdwatchers and botanists alike. This is the best place to look for two of the island's most threatened birds - the long-tailed ground roller and subdesert mesite.

There is plenty more of interest too, including an wide diversity of birdlife, and some of the most bizarre flora imaginable - the crazy, waving branches of devilishly-spined octopus trees contrast sharply with the squat, bulbous forms of ancient baobab trees.

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