Ankarana Reserve
Facts and practical information
Ankarana Special Reserve in northern Madagascar was created in 1956. It is a small, partially vegetated plateau composed of 150-million-year-old middle Jurassic limestone. With an average annual rainfall of about 2,000 millimetres, the underlying rocks have been eroded to produce caves and feed subterranean rivers—a karst topography. The rugged relief and the dense vegetation have helped protect the region from human intrusion. ()
Antsiranana
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Peregrine falcon
The peregrine falcon, a member of the Falconidae family, is celebrated for its astonishing speed and hunting prowess. It can reach speeds exceeding 320 km/h (200 mph) during its iconic dive, known as a stoop, making it the fastest bird and animal on Earth.
Birds
Nosy Be Flat-tail Gecko
Meet Uroplatus ebenaui, commonly known as the spearpoint leaf-tail gecko or the Nosy Be flat-tail gecko. This intriguing creature belongs to the family Gekkonidae and is the smallest member of the Uroplatus genus, reaching a maximum length of only 4 inches, including...
Reptiles
Madagascan flying fox
The Madagascan flying fox, also known as the Madagascar fruit bat, is a fascinating species of megabat indigenous to Madagascar. These remarkable creatures are the largest bats on the island, featuring a body length of 23.5 to 27 cm, a wingspan spanning from 100 to 125...
Mammals
Black kite
The black kite is a medium-sized bird of prey that belongs to the Accipitridae family. Renowned for its opportunistic hunting style and distinctive angled wings and forked tail, this bird is a familiar sight in various parts of the world.
Birds
Helmet vanga
The helmet vanga is a visually striking bird endemic to Madagascar. It is easily recognized by its blue-black plumage, rufous wings, and large, curved blue bill. Inhabiting the lowland and lower montane rainforests of northeastern Madagascar, this bird primarily feeds...
Birds
Antsiranana