Ankarafantsika National Park and Ampijoroa (6548)
Madagascar, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1e, B2
Year of last assessment: 2018
National site name: Parc National d'Ankarafantsika et Ampijoroa
Central coordinates: Latitude: -16.2190, Longitude: 46.9410
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 80 to 333
Area of KBA (km2): 1350.84996
Protected area coverage (%): 97.80
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The site is located on the Route Nationale 4, 40 km north-west of Ambato-Boeni. This complex of protected areas is centred on an outcrop of calcareous rock, lying c.250 m above the neighbouring plains (which are 60–90 m above sea-level). The site’s eastern and southern limits slope down abruptly but the northern and western parts are less steep. The Mahajamba river flows along the north-eastern boundary of the reserve. The site includes several lakes, such as Lake Ravelobe in the eastern part of Ampijoroa Forestry Station. Dry forest covers most of the site, with numerous trees of Leguminosae, Myrtaceae and Passifloraceae. Xerophytes such as Pachypodium can also be found.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs. Alliance for Zero Extinction (2018): site confirmed as an AZE site during the AZE project (2015-2018). Taxonomy, nomenclature and Red List category follow the IUCN 2016 Red List.
Additional biodiversity: See Box and Tables 2 and 3 for key species. One hundred and fifteen species are known from the site, of which 41 are endemic to Madagascar. At least five pairs of Haliaeetus vociferoides breed at the site. Ankarafantsika is one of only two sites known for Xenopirostris damii, and one of only six sites known for Mesitornis variegata. The total population of the latter species at the site has been estimated at between 6,000 and 26,000. Tachybaptus pelzelnii and Ardea humbloti are regular non-breeding visitors, and about 20 pairs of Ardeola idae breed at Lake Ravelobe. Lophotibis cristata and Philepitta schlegeli are both fairly common, the latter being restricted to humid valleys. Alectroenas madagascariensis, normally a species confined to the East Malagasy biome, is sometimes recorded here. There have been recent records of Hypositta corallirostris which, if confirmed, would be the first record of this species outside the east. Non-bird biodiversity: Lemurs: Microcebus ravelobensis (only known from here), Eulemur mongoz (VU), Avahi occidentalis (VU), Propithecus verreauxi coquereli (EN). Carnivore: Cryptoprocta ferox (VU). Rodent: Macrotarsomys ingens (CR). Reptiles: Erymnochelys madagascariensis (EN), Boa madagascariensis (VU), B. manditra (VU).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | forestry | nature conservation and research | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 7 | |
| Forest | 66 | |
| Shrubland | 5 | |
| Savanna | 24 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats at this site include uncontrolled bush-fires, slash-and-burn cultivation, and illegal exploitation of wood.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Motivation Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Gathering terrestrial plants | Motivation Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Trend Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Andreone (1994), Andriamampianina and Peyrieras (1972), Andrianarimisa (1993), Collar and Stuart (1988), Eguchi et al. (1993), Hawkins (1993b, 1994c, d), Hino (1998), Jenkins (1987), Langrand (1987), Nicoll and Langrand (1989), Petter and Andriatsarafara (1987), Rabarisoa et al. (1995), Ramangason (1986), Thiollay and Meyburg (1981), Urano et al. (1992), Watson et al. (1993), Yamagishi et al. (1995).