Andohahela

Andohahela National Park covers approximately 760 square kilometres in Anosy Region of far southeastern Madagascar. ^[1] Unique among Madagascar's protected areas, Andohahela spans three distinct biogeographical zones: rainforest on its eastern slopes, transition forest in its central zone, and spiny thicket on its western margin. This compressed ecological gradient — caused by the park's position on the southeastern massif — makes it the richest place in Madagascar for lemurs with 15 species recorded, and an important conservation area for species found in all three biomes. ^[1]

Andohahela harbours 15 lemur species, making it the richest park in Madagascar for lemurs. ^[1] Species present include the ring-tailed lemur, Verreaux's sifaka, the collared brown lemur (Eulemur collaris), the fat-tailed dwarf lemur, and the aye-aye. ^[1] Tenrecs, the fossa, and Madagascar fish eagles inhabit the diverse habitats. The park holds 108 bird species, including the velvet asity and the rufous vanga. ^[2] Reptiles include 67 species including chameleons, skinks, and the radiated tortoise in the western spiny thicket zone. Fifty amphibian species have been recorded. ^[1]

The eastern rainforest is dominated by Canarium, Symphonia, and Dalbergia species interspersed with tree ferns. The transitional zone contains a mixture of rainforest and xerophytic elements unique to this park. The western spiny thicket — the same ecosystem found in the Toliara region — features Didiereaceae (octopus trees), succulent Euphorbia species, and Pachypodium. The park contains 1,384 plant species, of which 1,025 (76%) are endemic to Madagascar. ^[1] The Triangle palm (Dypsis decaryi) grows in the transition zone of the park. ^[2] The park's botanical diversity reflects its position at the confluence of the Malagasy east and west.

Andohahela straddles the southeastern extension of the Central Highlands massif, underlain by Precambrian metamorphic and igneous rocks including gneisses, migmatites, and granites. The massif's topography creates a sharp rain shadow — eastern slopes receive 1,500 to 2,000 millimetres of rain annually, while the western margin receives only 400 to 600 millimetres. Cyclone-generated erosion on the eastern escarpment has created steep valleys with rapid rivers. The park's geology is part of the ancient Gondwana basement that underlies much of Madagascar. The highest point in the rainforest parcel (Parcel I) reaches 1,956 meters elevation. ^[1]

The eastern part of Andohahela receives Indian Ocean moisture from the trade winds and experiences a wet tropical climate with no true dry season, though rain is heaviest from December to April. The western spiny zone is decidedly semi-arid, with strongly seasonal rainfall and only 400 to 600 millimetres annually. Cyclones tracking along the southeastern coast periodically impact the eastern forests with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Temperatures in the rainforest zone average 20 to 25 degrees Celsius year-round, while the spiny thicket can experience summer heat above 35 degrees Celsius.

The Anosy Region has been inhabited by Antanosy and Antandroy peoples for centuries. Traditional communities practiced rice farming on the eastern slopes and cattle herding in the drier west. The southeastern coast was one of Madagascar's first contacts with European traders in the seventeenth century, with Fort Dauphin (now Tolanaro) established in 1643. The forests were traditionally protected by fady (taboo) in some areas. Population pressure and agricultural expansion have historically threatened the park's buffer zones.

Andohahela was established as a strict nature reserve in 1939 under French colonial administration, one of a series of reserves created to protect Madagascar's unique biota. Its status was upgraded to national park by Decree 97-1043 of 8 August 1997. ^[1] The park was inscribed as part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. ^[2] WWF has been a key conservation partner in the region.

The Ihazofotsy area in the western sector provides access to the spiny thicket and its charismatic fauna including radiated tortoise and ring-tailed lemur. The Tsimelahy sector in the east offers rainforest walks with lemur tracking and chameleon spotting. The Manangotry pass provides access to the transitional forest zone. Guided night walks reveal mouse lemurs, tenrecs, and nocturnal chameleons. The park is most commonly accessed from Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin), approximately 40 kilometres away.

Infrastructure is basic. Each sector has a ranger post and basic trail network. No accommodation is available within the park; visitors stay in Tolanaro, which has a range of guesthouses and hotels. The town is served by regional flights from Antananarivo. Guides are mandatory for all park visits and can be arranged through local operators or the park office. Roads to the park require a 4x4 during the wet season.

Andohahela faces significant pressure from illegal logging, slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy), and charcoal production on its boundaries. The eastern rainforest suffers from selective extraction of valuable timber species including Dalbergia (rosewood). WWF and other conservation organisations support community-based conservation programmes in surrounding villages. The radiated tortoise in the western sector is critically endangered due to collection for illegal trade. The park's management is supported by park entry fees and international conservation funding.