Madagascar: Anjozorobe Extension

The Anjozorobe-Angavo Forest Corridor represents one of the last vestiges of rainforest remaining in the central plateau. It covers 52,200ha and stretches for over 80km.

The forest lies on metamorphic rock, and the terrain is mountainous and deeply dissected, with steep eroded slopes. The Mananara river, a tributary of the Betsiboka, flows across the western part of the site, which is also crossed by other rivers such as the Sahavila. The main vegetation is mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest. 

It is home to 80 species of birds, 50 of which are endemic to Madagascar. Bird species include Pitta-like Ground-roller, Short-legged Ground-roller, Rufous-headed Ground-roller, Madagascar Wood-rail, Madagascar Crested Ibis, Meller’s Duck, Madagascar Snipe, Slender-billed Flufftail, Red-breasted Coua, Blue Coua, Red-fronted Coua, Grey Emu-tail, Brown Emu-tail, Madagascar Yellow-brow, Madagascar Blue Pigeon, Brown Mesite,   Velvet Asity, Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity, Common Sunbird-Asity, Dark Newtonia, Crossley’s Vanga, Ward’s Flycatcher, Green Jery, White-throated Oxylabes, Spectacled Tetraca, Grey-crowned Tetraka, Cryptic Warbler, Rand’s Warbler, Forest Rock-thrush, Forest Fody Madagascar Kingfisher and Nelicourvi Weaver.

The forest is especially rewarding for night walks with many reptile and mammal species present. It is home to 11 species of lemurs, 25 species of small mammals and 550 species of plants including 75 species of orchids.

Key mammals include Indri, Diademed Sifaka, Grey Bamboo Lemur, Eastern Woolly Lemur, Goodman’s Mouse Lemur and a locally endemic rodent, the eastern Vaolavo.

Exciting reptiles to look out for include Nose-horned and Globe-horned Chameleon, Mossy and Satanic leaf-tailed gecko and Boulenger’s forest snake.