DOCSLIB.ORG

National Parks and Reserves--Madagascar's

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
National Parks and Reserves--Madagascar's Association Nationale pour la Gestion des Aires Protégées National Association for the Management of Protected Areas National Parks and Reserves--Madagascar’s New Model for Biodiversity Conservation: Lessons Learned Through Integrated Conservation and Development Projects (ICDPs) By: Richard A. Swanson Submitted to: United States Agency for International Development, Madagascar Contract No. 623-0110-C-00-1041-00 Submitted by: Tropical Research and Development, Inc. 7001 SW 24th Ave. Gainesville, Florida USA January 1997 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACRONYMS ................................................................ iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................v 1.0 INTRODUCTION .....................................................1-1 2.0 ANGAP INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES ...................2-1 2.1 Major Donor and Government of Madagascar Support ....................2-1 2.2 ANGAP Receives Authority over Investments, Income, Operating Costs, Parks Infrastructure ....................................................2-1 2.3 Various Protected Areas Transferred to ANGAP Management ...............2-2 2.4 Clarification of Roles Between ANGAP and DEF .........................2-3 2.5 System-Wide Monitoring and Evaluation System Established ................2-3 2.6 Long-Term Vision Documented ......................................2-4 2.7 System and Parks Level Technical Assistance Begins ......................2-4 2.8 ANGAP Begins Direct Management of Three Protected Areas (January 1995) ...2-5 2.9 South Africa’s National Parks Board: ANGAP’s first Sister Parks System ......2-5 2.10 Park Entrance Fees ...............................................2-6 3.0 ANGAP’S MISSION STATEMENT .......................................3-1 3.1 New Organizational Structure for ANGAP ..............................3-1 3.2 ANGAP’s Future Institutional Role ....................................3-2 3.3 Sanctions .......................................................3-4 3.4 Transition ......................................................3-4 3.5 Park Signs, Uniforms, Logos, and other Publicity .........................3-5 4.0 LESSONS LEARNED WITH ICDPs IN CONTEXT OF CONSERVING NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES ...............................................4-1 4.1 The Clarification of CORE Concepts ..................................4-1 4.1.1 The Park or Protected Areas ..................................4-1 4.1.2 The Protected Area .........................................4-2 4.1.3 The Buffer Zone ............................................4-2 4.1.4. The Service Zone ...........................................4-3 4.1.5 The Peripheral Zone .........................................4-3 4.2 The ICDP Concept ...............................................4-4 4.2.1 Lessons Learned about Type of Development ......................4-5 4.2.2 The General Need for Focusing, Prioritization, and a Sense of Scale .....4-7 4.2.4 Transversality .............................................4-11 4.2.5 The Direct Pressure Agent ...................................4-12 4.2.6 Village Groups ............................................4-12 ANGAP: Lessons Learned Through ICDPs 4.2.7 It Takes Time to Change Human Behavior .......................4-12 4.2.8 Lessons Learned about the Kind of Conservation ..................4-13 5.0 OTHER LESSONS LEARNED ...........................................5-1 5.1 The Not-for-Profit Association as Park System Manager ...................5-1 5.2 Sustainability and the Depreciation Question .............................5-1 5.3 Multiple Donors for One Protected Area ...............................5-2 5.4 Delegation of Authority .............................................5-2 5.5 Loss of Focus ...................................................5-2 5.6 A Tempting Take-Over Target .......................................5-2 5.7 Creating Partnerships ..............................................5-3 5.8 Technical Assistance ..............................................5-3 5.9 ANGAP’s Board of Directors .......................................5-3 5.10 Financial Sustainability of Parks Network ...............................5-4 5.11 Conclusions .....................................................5-4 REFERENCES ........................................................... REF-1 Annex 1 Maps Tropical Research and Development, Inc. iii ANGAP: Lessons Learned Through ICDPs ACRONYMS ANGAP National Association for the Management of Protected Areas (Association Nationale pour la Gestion des Aires Protégées) CARE Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere CI Conservation International, Inc. DEF Department of Water and Forests DIVB Department of Information and Biodiversity Valorization ICDP Integrated Conservation and Development Projects M&E monitoring and evaluation NEAP National Environmental Action Plan NGO nongovernmental organization PACT Private Agencies Cooperating Together SAVEM Sustainable Approach for Viable Environment Management TR&D Tropical Research and Development, Inc. UNESCO United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization USAID United States Agency for International Development VITA Volunteers in Technical Assistance WWF World Wide Fund for Nature iv Tropical Research and Development, Inc. ANGAP: Lessons Learned Through ICDPs EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Worldwide, national parks are generally operated by government ministries with a national parks service. Such federally run services are not the only models for national parks management as evidenced by a number of semi-autonomous organizations proudly filling this role. The past 5 years have seen the development of Madagascar’s national parks service which has followed a creative institutional arrangement whereby the state has delegated to the Association Nationale pour la Gestion des Aires Protégées (ANGAP) the management authority of a network of 44 parks and reserves. ANGAP is a not-for-profit association. While much remains to be achieved, this report captures some of the lessons learned through the integrated conservation and development programs (ICDPs) whose coordination led to ANGAP’s current mission statement and mandate. Emphasis is given to the need to involve both local communities adjacent to protected areas and the private sector. Policy implications are drawn out. Tropical Research and Development, Inc. v ANGAP: Lessons Learned Through ICDPs 1.0 INTRODUCTION Madagascar has never had a federally run national parks service and does not have one today. Five years ago, when the government of Madagascar and donors were preparing for the first National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP), it was decided that Madagascar needed an institution which could efficiently manage a protected area network of national parks and reserves. The area to be protected within this network of parks and reserves represented the apex of the best and most unique of Madagascar biodiversity. Its economic and biodiversity importance far exceeded its size (less than 2% of Madagascar) relative to the rest of Madagascar’s remaining patches of forest and wilderness areas. Worldwide, national parks are generally operated by government ministries with a national parks service. Problems with state management of such resources have become increasingly evident, particularly in the developing countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is generally true worldwide that “lack of financial resources has been one of the principal impediments to promoting sustainable development and environmental protection. National funding has failed to provide the needed financial resources for establishing and maintaining protected areas...” (Barzetti, 1993, p.159). Problems include disassociation of park revenues from operating costs - with revenue returning to the national treasury; the inability of federal bureaucracies to compete efficiently with the private sector, leading to increased operation costs and sometimes lack of professionalism; and the inability of park management officials to limit tourist access to a predetermined carrying capacity for specific areas visited. The conservation objective in these cases has frequently become secondary to the commercial and political interests of powerful lobby groups. The United States Parks Service, created in 1916 and the oldest of its kind, is under increasing pressure to sustain the national parks in their natural state. In some cases it is losing the battle (Mitchell, 1994). The list of ills immediately reminds one of the problems faced by developing nations around the world. For example, Yellowstone, the world’s first federally operated national park created in 1872, is in a critical state. One reads of “Yellowstone’s dilapidated road system,” whose deteriorating sewage system several years ago “contaminated a portion of the celebrated Yellowstone River." Its rangers spend “frigid winters in trailers and uninsulated temporary housing located in an area accessible only by snowmobile” (Forstenzer, 1995, pp.38, 43, 48). It is currently also threatened by a newly proposed mining concession which could create an environmental disaster within park boundaries. Significant populations of Yellowstone’s elk and bison are threatened with extermination because of their threat to peripheral zone cattle (brucellosis). The Parks Service is in the midst of a financial crisis and it is difficult to exaggerate the vast problems that now affect the parks. Many irreplaceable national treasures - spectacular natural areas and historic and cultural sites sheltering some
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Lemur News 7 (2002).Pdf
    Lemur News Vol. 7, 2002 Page 1 Conservation International’s President EDITORIAL Awarded Brazil’s Highest Honor In recognition of his years of conservation work in Brazil, CI President Russell Mittermeier was awarded the National Are you in favor of conservation? Do you know how conser- Order of the Southern Cross by the Brazilian government. vation is viewed by the academic world? I raise these ques- Dr. Mittermeier received the award on August 29, 2001 at tions because they are central to current issues facing pri- the Brazilian Ambassador's residence in Washington, DC. matology in general and prosimians specifically. The National Order of the Southern Cross was created in The Duke University Primate Center is in danger of being 1922 to recognize the merits of individuals who have helped closed because it is associated with conservation. An inter- to strengthen Brazil's relations with the international com- nal university review in 2001 stated that the Center was too munity. The award is the highest given to a foreign national focused on conservation and not enough on research. The re- for service in Brazil. viewers were all researchers from the "hard" sciences, but For the past three decades, Mittermeier has been a leader in they perceived conservation to be a negative. The Duke ad- promoting biodiversity conservation in Brazil and has con- ministration had similar views and wanted more emphasis ducted numerous studies on primates and other fauna in the on research and less on conservation. The new Director has country. During his time with the World Wildlife Fund three years to make that happen.
    [Show full text]
  • A Magical Overland Journey Through Madagascar
    Special Itinerary: A Magical Overland Journey through Madagascar 14 - Day Small Group Tour - Led by Daniel Razafimandimby 06 – 20 October 2020 ITINERARY IN BRIEF 06 Oct Arrive ANTANANARIVO (TANA). Met on arrival and transferred to hotel. O/n RELAIS DES PLATEAUX HOTEL. 07 Oct Morning transfer to the airport to take domestic flight to Tulear. On arrival transfer (45 mins) to IFATY SPINY FOREST. Afternoon and evening to explore the unique spiny forest. O/n LES DUNES D’IFATY, B, L, D. 08 Oct A morning excursion in the IFATY Spiny Forest, followed by some time at leisure in the afternoon. Snorkelling is available for those interested. Night walk in the spiny Forest. O/n LES DUNES D’IFATY, B, L, D. 09 Oct Early departure (2 hours) to ZOMBITSE NATIONAL PARK for a guided walk. Continue (1.5 hours) to ISALO NATIONAL PARK. O/n JARDIN DU ROY, B, L, D. 10 Oct Day to walk in ISALO NATIONAL PARK. O/n JARDIN DU ROY, B, L, D. 11 Oct Drive (8 hours in total but with many stops) north to RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK with stops of interest en route. Stop for a visit to ANJA PARK to see ring tailed lemurs. O/n SETAM LODGE, B, L, D. 12 Oct Full day excursion to RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK. Night walk in the evening. O/n SETAM LODGE, B, L, D. 13 Oct Morning excursion to RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK. Afternoon drive (1.5 hours) to the KIANJAVATO RESERVE in search of its special lemurs and aye aye in the evening.
    [Show full text]
  • The W&L Traveller
    58-25 Queens Blvd., Woodside, NY 11377 T: (718) 280-5000; (800) 627-1244 F: (718) 204-4726 E:[email protected] W: www.classicescapes.com Nature & Cultural Journeys for the Discerning Traveler YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO JOIN THE W&L TRAVELLER ON A WILDLIFE EXPEDITION TO MADAGASCAR SEPTEMBER 21 TO OCTOBER 8, 2016 Schedules, accommodations and prices are accurate at the time of writing. They are subject to change. MADAGASCAR ~ AN OVERVIEW Madagascar split off from the African continent 80 million years ago to form the world’s fourth largest island. It’s a living laboratory for evolution, where the adventurous traveler can explore its diverse landscape of spiny desert, tropical moist and dry forests, and mountainous terrain in search of Madagascar’s renowned odd creatures and botanical marvels. The vast majority of its flora and fauna are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else in the world. These include more than 100 species of lemurs. The most endangered tortoise in the world, Angokoka—commonly known as ploughshare—and many unusual birds, frogs and chameleons all make their home in a country with a unique blend of Asian and African cultures. Marco Polo first reported the island’s existence. Throughout the centuries, embattled African slaves, intrepid Indian and Portuguese traders, European pirates, and French colonists arrived at its shores, eventually establishing 18 official “tribes.” During our travels, we’ll discover the creative spirit of the Malagasy people expressed in their thoughtful and colorful monuments honoring their ancestors. As we traverse this beautiful island paradise of contrasting arid and tropical landscapes, we’ll discover the gift of Malagasy hospitality along with a vast store of incomparable memories.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecosystem Profile Madagascar and Indian
    ECOSYSTEM PROFILE MADAGASCAR AND INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS FINAL VERSION DECEMBER 2014 This version of the Ecosystem Profile, based on the draft approved by the Donor Council of CEPF was finalized in December 2014 to include clearer maps and correct minor errors in Chapter 12 and Annexes Page i Prepared by: Conservation International - Madagascar Under the supervision of: Pierre Carret (CEPF) With technical support from: Moore Center for Science and Oceans - Conservation International Missouri Botanical Garden And support from the Regional Advisory Committee Léon Rajaobelina, Conservation International - Madagascar Richard Hughes, WWF – Western Indian Ocean Edmond Roger, Université d‘Antananarivo, Département de Biologie et Ecologie Végétales Christopher Holmes, WCS – Wildlife Conservation Society Steve Goodman, Vahatra Will Turner, Moore Center for Science and Oceans, Conservation International Ali Mohamed Soilihi, Point focal du FEM, Comores Xavier Luc Duval, Point focal du FEM, Maurice Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, Point focal du FEM, Seychelles Edmée Ralalaharisoa, Point focal du FEM, Madagascar Vikash Tatayah, Mauritian Wildlife Foundation Nirmal Jivan Shah, Nature Seychelles Andry Ralamboson Andriamanga, Alliance Voahary Gasy Idaroussi Hamadi, CNDD- Comores Luc Gigord - Conservatoire botanique du Mascarin, Réunion Claude-Anne Gauthier, Muséum National d‘Histoire Naturelle, Paris Jean-Paul Gaudechoux, Commission de l‘Océan Indien Drafted by the Ecosystem Profiling Team: Pierre Carret (CEPF) Harison Rabarison, Nirhy Rabibisoa, Setra Andriamanaitra,
    [Show full text]
  • Lemurs of Madagascar a Strategy for !Eir Conservation 2013–2016
    Lemurs of Madagascar A Strategy for !eir Conservation 2013–2016 Edited by Christoph Schwitzer, Russell A. Mittermeier, Nicola Davies, Steig Johnson, Jonah Ratsimbazafy, Josia Raza"ndramanana, Edward E. Louis Jr., and Serge Rajaobelina Illustrations and layout by Stephen D. Nash IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group Bristol Conservation and Science Foundation Conservation International !is publication was supported by the Conservation International/Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation Primate Action Fund, the Bristol, Cli#on and West of England Zoological Society, Houston Zoo, the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments, and Primate Conservation, Inc. Published by: IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, Bristol Conservation and Science Foundation, and Conservation International Copyright: © 2013 IUCN Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior written permission from the copyright holder provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission of the copyright holder. Inquiries to the publisher should be directed to the following address: Russell A. Mittermeier, Chair, IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202, USA Citation: Schwitzer C, Mittermeier RA, Davies N, Johnson S, Ratsimbazafy J, Raza"ndramanana J, Louis Jr. EE, Rajaobelina S (eds). 2013. Lemurs of Madagascar: A Strategy for !eir Conservation 2013–2016. Bristol, UK: IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, Bristol Conservation and Science Foundation, and Conservation International. 185 pp. ISBN: 978-1-934151-62-4 Illustrations: © Stephen D. Nash, Conservation International, Arlington, VA, and Department of Anatomical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook, NY Layout: Stephen D.
    [Show full text]
  • Extending the Known Distribution of Nicosia's Chameleon
    Herpetology Notes, volume 14: 455-460 (2021) (published online on 26 February 2021) Extending the known distribution of Nicosia’s chameleon, Furcifer nicosiai Jesu, Mattioli & Schimmenti, 1999 (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae) Francesco Belluardo1,*, Gonçalo M. Rosa2,3, Franco Andreone4, Elodie A. Courtois5, Javier Lobón-Rovira1, Ronald A. Nussbaum6, Miary Raselimanana7, Malalatiana Rasoazanany7, Christopher J. Raxworthy8, and Angelica Crottini1 The genus Furcifer Fitzinger, 1843 includes 24 region (Fig. 1, white circles; Table 1) (Randrianantoandro species of chameleons, most of which are endemic to et al., 2008; Raselimanana, 2008; Bora et al., 2010; Madagascar (Glaw and Vences, 2007; Uetz et al., 2020). Randriamoria, 2011; Brown et al., 2014; Goodman et Furcifer nicosiai Jesu, Mattioli & Schimmenti, 1999 al., 2018). Furcifer nicosiai habitat encompasses dense is a medium-sized species belonging to the Furcifer sub-humid and dry forests of low elevation, between verrucosus (Cuvier, 1829) phenetic group (Glaw and 57–571 m above sea level ~ a.s.l. (Bora et al., 2010). Vences, 2007). Although slightly smaller, F. nicosiai is Several records within the Menabe region (within the morphologically similar to Furcifer oustaleti (Mocquard, Paysage Harmonieux Protégé de Menabe Antimena, 1894), whose subadults can be mistaken with adults of about 60 km south of Tsingy de Bemaraha) refer to this species (Glaw and Vences, 2007). a population of F. nicosiai that appears to have some With Tsingy de Bemaraha as the type locality of F. morphological differences to the population from the nicosiai (Jesu et al., 1999), the species was thought to type locality. A molecular characterisation is needed have a distribution limited to western Madagascar, with, to assess the taxonomic identity of these populations, until now, only a few additional records in the Melaky but for consistency we here continue to assign them to this species (Raselimanana, 2008; Randrianantoandro et al., 2010; Eckhardt et al., 2019) (Fig.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2019
    Time to Plant Eco-humanitarian Project for Protection and Restoration of African Forest ANNUAL REPORT 2019 www.grainedevie.org 2 | ANNUAL REPORT 2019 PROTECTING FORESTS AND PLANTING TREES: THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Create a better future for all, help us save MADAGASCAR: The year 2019 was exceptional in terms of both the our forests. number and intensity of forest fires on Earth. a strategic choice Between 1 January and 30 November 2019, A recent article in the scientific journal "SCIENCE" approximately 6,735 million tons of CO2 were released concluded that it is entirely possible to expand forests It is in Madagascar that we initiated our projects in 2009. into the atmosphere as a result of forest fires. And around the globe by almost a trillion acres. These This choice is strategic because Madagascar is both one this sad toll does not consider the huge fires that additional forests could store as much as 205 giga- of the places in the world where reforestation can have tonnes of CO . Such a plantation project is described devastated Australia, where a forest area the size of 2 a real systemic impact (5th poorest country in the world Austria disappeared in December. in the article as the most effective strategy against on the IMF list), but which will suffer more than others climate change. if nothing is done (3rd country most exposed to the These forest fires alone, which are on the rise effects of global warming on the IPCC list). compared to 2018, have caused more CO2 emissions This article validates the approach undertaken by Madagascar is also one of the most deforested countries over the same period than those emitted by the USA.
    [Show full text]
  • Resolving a Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Puzzle in Mantellid Frogs: Synonymization of Gephyromantis Azzurrae with G
    ZooKeys 951: 133–157 (2020) A peer-reviewed open-access journal doi: 10.3897/zookeys.951.51129 RESEARCH ARTICLE https://zookeys.pensoft.net Launched to accelerate biodiversity research Resolving a taxonomic and nomenclatural puzzle in mantellid frogs: synonymization of Gephyromantis azzurrae with G. corvus, and description of Gephyromantis kintana sp. nov. from the Isalo Massif, western Madagascar Walter Cocca1, Franco Andreone2, Francesco Belluardo1, Gonçalo M. Rosa3,4, Jasmin E. Randrianirina5, Frank Glaw6, Angelica Crottini1,7 1 CIBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, No 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal 2 Sezione di Zoologia, Mu- seo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Via G. Giolitti, 36, 10123 Torino, Italy 3 Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY London, UK 4 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C2, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal 5 Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza, BP 4096, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar 6 Zoologische Staatssammlung München (ZSM-SNSB), Münchhausenstraße 21, 81247 München, Germany 7 Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, R. Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169- 007, Porto, Portugal Corresponding author: Angelica Crottini ([email protected]) Academic editor: A. Ohler | Received 14 February 2020 | Accepted 9 May 2020 | Published 22 July 2020 http://zoobank.org/5C3EE5E1-84D5-46FE-8E38-42EA3C04E942 Citation: Cocca W, Andreone F, Belluardo F, Rosa GM, Randrianirina JE, Glaw F, Crottini A (2020) Resolving a taxonomic and nomenclatural puzzle in mantellid frogs: synonymization of Gephyromantis azzurrae with G.
    [Show full text]
  • National Parks in Madagascar
    NATIONAL PARKS IN MADAGASCAR Madagascar’s National Parks are divided into 4 parts: Deciduous Forest, Eastern Rain Forests, Island and Coastal and Spiny Forests and in total have about 28 National Parks across the island worth visiting DECIDUOUS FOREST 1. Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park Normally included as a short stop between Isalo and Tulear, the forest of Zombitse- Vohibasia is in a transition zone between dry deciduous and spiny forest habitats. Birders will appreciate seeing Appert’s greenbul, found nowhere else, giant, Coquerel’s and olive-capped couas, as well as various vanga species. 2. Andringitra National Park A spectacular and biodiverse reserve with an altitude range of 500 to 2,658 metres and mountainous outcrops of ancient Precambrian granite, waterfalls, lakes and unusual vegetation. Pic Boby, Madagascar’s second highest mountain, is a tough climb, but there are other less challenging trails through some magnificent scenery and habitats, including lowland forest, high humid tropical forest, sclerophyll and bamboo forest, bush and heathland. It has much endemic flora and over 100 species of birds, as well as over 50 mammal species including mountain-adapted ring tailed lemurs with thick coats. The climate ranges from humid tropical in the lowland rainforests to below freezing at altitude – indeed, it is the only place in Madagascar where snow has been recorded. 3. Ankarafantsika National Park ( Ampijoroa) This prime example of tropical dry deciduous forest, combined with a lake harbouring Nile crocodiles and endangered Madagascar fish eagles, contains many other rare, endemic birds including Van Dam’s vanga, sickle-billed vanga and red-capped coua.
    [Show full text]
  • Madagascar (Orchid Review)
    MADAGASCAR ADVENTURE Photography by Johan Hermans by Photography Ten go to Madagascar Clare and Johan hermans describe some jolly adventures on an Orchid Conservation Alliance trip to the Great Red Island Above The Andringitra Massif (desert of rocks), part of the Andringitra National Park, at sunrise. Right Mass flowering of the tiny Bulbophyllum leptostachyum in Ranomafana National Park. Far left The intrepid Orchid Conservation Alliance group at the entrance of the orchid ‘garden’ at Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Left Aerangis fastuosa was encountered in full bloom at Ranomafana National Park. ➤ 12 March 2021 March 2021 13 MADAGASCAR ADVENTURE hy do the wrong including Mary, an indefatigable people travel, when the colleague called Gary and, most of ‘We reached our destination at 2am, just 12 hours late, to Wright people stay back all, our old friends Harold and Steve. find Niry, our friend, waiting patiently for us’ home?’ So wrote Noël Coward in Sail But, ‘the best laid plans of mice Away and the same question crossed and men’ depended on KLM getting my mind during thirty or so years of us to Amsterdam, Nairobi and then tour leading, particularly in Antananarivo, Madagascar. We had Madagascar. I am not thinking of the allowed many hours for transit but irritating arguers and complainers, a much delayed flight coming into they just want there money’s worth. Heathrow from Amsterdam meant It’s the ones that can be classed as, that the whole journey suddenly well, unusual in any environment …’ vanished into mid-air. Flights to So wrote Hilary Bradt, travel writer Madagascar are not frequent and and friend, in the Sunday Telegraph in ground staff at Heathrow looked 2020.
    [Show full text]
  • This Is Antananarivo, Capital of Madagascar and Home to Two
    MADAGASCAR 1 INTRODUCTION Madagascar is just 250 miles off the east coast of Africa. The world's fourth largest island, Madagascar measures 980 miles in length and 360 miles across at its widest point. A mountainous central 'spine' separates the permanently damp east from the drier west and sub-desert south. As one of the world's poorest nations, Madagascar is not for everyone. Prospective visitors must be aware of the island's 'lowlights' before going there. All the reserves have well educated and knowledgeable forest guides who will escort you and guides in other areas will also assist you from place to place. HISTORY The 14 million Malagasy constitute the world's only Afro-Asian nation. Humans arrived no more than 2000 years ago by means of outrigger canoes from Melanesia, Polynesia, Indonesia and Africa. The Malagasy today, separated into 16 major tribes, are united by language and culture. In addition, there are a total of 39 ethnic groups who inhabit the island. The official language is Malagasy. French is the language of business and English is spoken by people in the tourism industry. After some recent political instability, the President Marc Ravolamanana brought many positive changes. Not just the official president, he is a man of great vision who will continue to serve the country after winning the democratic elections in late 2006. HIGHLIGHTS Madagascar boasts no less than 50 different species of lemur although at least 15 species are now extinct since the arrival of man on the island. The lemurs range in size from the pygmy mouse lemur, which can sit in an eggcup and is possibly the smallest primate in the world, to the piebald teddy-bear-like indri, weighing in at about 15 pounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Madagascar Overland Encounters 2016
    Madagascar Overland Encounters Small Group Tour - Led by Mamy Ramarolahy 01 st to 16 th October 2016 Madagascar Overland Encounters Our ever popular small group tour is an overland trip of exceptional variety and scope, using accommodation of a high standard and taking in some of Madagascar’s most rewarding national parks. Throughout the program, you will visit some superb reserves and landscapes containing an abundance of varied wildlife and unique plants which inhabit the different altitude and habitat zones. The adventure begins with locally guided nature walks in the famous rainforest reserve of Perinet (aka Andasibe or Analamazaotra National Park) for our first special lemur encounters. Perinet is home to the largest lemur, the tail-less Indri whose eerie territorial cry can be heard throughout the forest. Nearby wildlife-rich Mantadia National Park will also be explored for the diademed sifaka and black and white ruffed lemur. We then follow the country’s main highway through the cultivated Hauts Plateaux highlands via the spa town of Antsirabe to the forested hills of Ranomafana National Park, home of the rare, locally endemic golden bamboo lemur, civet and mouse lemur. After crossing the vast Horombe plain, we stop for a while at the scenic Isalo sandstone massif for scenic hikes in its eroded, arid landscape and a swim in a natural oasis. We continue southwards to the unique spiny forests around Anakao and visit remote, isolated Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. In that exceptional, little- visited park of baobabs and pachypodiums we have a good chance to see flamingos, ring-tailed lemurs, vasa parrots, radiated tortoises and blind cave fish.
    [Show full text]