Tsaratanana Strict Nature Reserve and extension (6535)
Madagascar, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, B1, B2
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Reserve Naturelle Integrale Tsaratanàna et extension
Central coordinates: Latitude: -13.8817, Longitude: 48.8479
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Area of KBA (km2): 1408.35998
Protected area coverage (%): 71.88
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Tsaratanana, located south of Ambanja, is the highest mountain range in Madagascar, with the peak of Maromokotro rising to 2,876 m. It is of volcanic origin, being composed of granite and migmatite. The headwaters of the Ramena, Sambirano and Mahavavy rivers lie within the reserve. Mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest, characterized by an abundance of trees 10–12 m high, lianas and palms, covers the area up to 2,000 m. Dense bamboo forest, forming a belt, characterizes the area located between 2,000 and 2,200 m. Sclerophyllous montane forest is found between 2,200 and 2,600 m and grassy savanna occurs above 2,600 m (of human origin, having replaced the original montane bushland following repeated burning and livestock-grazing). The forest in the massif is nearly intact, both within the reserve and in neighbouring areas. Threats to the site include cattle-grazing, cutting of certain tree species for their bark (used for flavouring alcoholic beverages), and cannabis cultivation in the Ramena valley.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Cophyla alticola, Rhombophryne guentherpetersi, Rhombophryne ornata, and Rhombophryne tany meet A1a/B1/B2. Additionally, 6 species of bird meet B2 and eight amphibians, 27 birds, one fish, nine mammals, seven plants, and threee reptiles meet legacy KBA criteria and are in need of reassessment.
Manageability of the site: Site was identified as an IBA/KBA in 2001 and confirmed as an AZE during the 2015-2018 AZE project. Most of the site corresponds to Tsaratanana Strict Nature Reserve (WDPAID: 2306).
Delineation rationale: Site was identified as an IBA/KBA in 2001 and confirmed as an AZE during the 2015-2018 AZE project. The KBA boundary broadly overlaps Tsaratanana Strict Nature Reserve (WDPAID: 2306).
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 97 | |
| Shrubland | 2 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Shifting agriculture | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Logging & wood harvesting | Motivation Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Trend Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Logging & wood harvesting | Unintentional effects: subsistence/small scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Problematic species/diseases of unknown origin | Named species | Unknown |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Motivation Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Logging & wood harvesting | Intentional use: large scale (species being assessed is the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing |