Madagascar: Masoala Extention

The Masoala peninsula has the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest in Madagascar, extending right down to the shore in some places. Masoala has arguably the greatest biodiversity in all of Madagascar. No visit to Madagascar is complete without visiting this magical place.

The park is abound with birds, chameleons, geckos, frogs as well as several species of butterflies and fish, some of which are yet to be described. The shores are pristine, unspoiled and peppered with unexplored golden beaches. The three marine parks protect over 10,000 ha of coral reefs, marine plants and mangroves around the peninsula. Presently, more than 3,001 fish species have been recorded in the marine parks. Moreover, the Antongil Bay itself is used as a shelter by Humpback Whales that gather here during the breeding season. In the months of the austral summer, Antongil's waters literally froth with cetaceans. The region also supports one of the most diverse groups of palm species in the world.

The forest’s canopy height is around 30m with some emergent trees. The understorey is characterised by abundant palms, tree ferns and numerous epiphytes and orchids. There are many clear, fast-flowing streams and small rivers.

Key mammals include Red Ruffed Lemur (locally endemic), White-fronted Brown Lemur, Masoala Woolly Lemur, Eastern Fork-marked Lemur, Aye-aye, Mouse Lemur, Forest Rat, Greater Hedgehog Tenrec and Lowland streaked Tenrec.

Some phenomenal bird species are found here including the much sought after Madagascar Serpent Eagle, Brown Mesite, Madagascar Blue-pigeon, Collared Nightjar, Red-breasted Coua, Red-fronted Coua, Blue Coua, Madagascar Flufftail, Madagascar Wood-rail, Madagascar Crested Ibis, Madagascar Pond-heron, Madagascar Red Owl, Madagascar Sparrowhawk, Henst's Goshawk, Short-legged Ground-roller, Scaly Ground-roller, Pitta-like Ground-roller, Velvet Asity, Common Sunbird-Asity, Dark Newtonia, Nuthatch Vanga, Crossley's Vanga, Helmet Vanga, Bernier's Vanga, Green Jery, Ward's Flycatcher, White-throated Oxylabes, Spectacled Tetraka, Grey-crowned Tetraka, Rand's Warbler, Forest Rock-thrush, Forest Fody and Nelicourvi Weaver

Otherworldly reptiles and frogs occur here including Panther, Boettger’s, Stump-tailed and Parson’s chameleon. Leaf-tailed and day geckos, tomato frog and various mantellas are also locally abundant.