Madagascar

A Unique Natural Heritage

A Greentours Tour Report

31st October to 14th November 2014

Led by Callan Cohen & Paul Cardy

Daily report and systematic lists by Paul Cardy

Day 1 Friday 31st October and Saturday 1st November Arrival, Antananarivo

Our hotel was situated amid a rare oasis of greenery in Antananarivo. Arrivals this year were many and varied, some of us arriving on the Friday, others on Saturday. The hotel gardens produced a reasonable selection of wildlife for those of us spending time here. A hawk was a pleasing find and among the were demodocus, Catopsilia florella, Mylothris phileris, Leptomyrina phidias, Uranothauma artemenes, Leptotes rabefaner, Junonia goudotii, Junonia rhadama, Acraea igati, and Acraea zitja; not a bad haul.

All the group were united by lunch time on the Saturday, and that afternoon we made a trip to a small wetland reserve in the Tana environs. This was a pleasant and productive excursion. On arrival at the reserve a colony of Nephila spiders was the first thing of note.

Here were many egrets including Dimorphic and Great, Black-crowned Night Herons, Black Heron, several Squacco Herons, and Malagasy Pond Heron. On the water were numerous Red-billed Teal, several Hottentot Teal, numerous White-faced Whistling Duck, and Comb Duck. Some eight of the endemic Meller’s Duck was a highlight.

A Lygodactylus was not identified to . Among Odonata were Ischnura senegalensis, and Brachythemis leucosticta, Banded Groundling. Zizeeria knysna flew over the low vegetation and the beautiful Precis rhadama was admired.

Birds continued with Madagascar Kingfisher, Madagascar Coucal, and Common Jery, and White- throated Rail crossed the path. Madagascar Black Swifts were in the air. A rodent (rat!) moved through the bamboo.

A mantid on a Castor Oil was a pleasing find. Ferns included a Thelypteris species, and Dicranopteris linearis. Other were Solanum mauritanicum, Lantana camara, Trema orientalis, and deep blue flowered Pycnostachys caerulea. Melia azederach was invasive and Schizolobium parahyba, a leguminous tree with yellow flowers, was native to the neotropics.

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Day 3 Sunday 2nd November To Toliara and Ifaty

Early morning saw us taking the only internal flight of the tour, to the south west, and the spiny forest around Toliara. We arrived to fine hot weather. Having loaded up the bags we were soon on our way to the nearby arboretum which was an ideal spot to introduce us to the flora and fauna of the dry south west.

Things started well with nesting Chabert’s Vanga in a Commiphora, and Souimanga Sunbird sang. We were soon admiring many of the typical plants of the spiny forest, especially the remarkable endemic Didieria madagascariensis. Here were both tirucali and Euphorbia stenoclada, Jatropha mahfalensis, and Cynanchum perrieri.

Madagascar Bee-eaters were admired. Butterflies on the wing were amata, Colotis guenei, Colotis evanthe, Catopsilia florella, Acraea turna, and Eurema brigitta. Callan pointed out Camponotus Honey Pot Ants.

Madagascar Turtle Dove, Common Jery, Madagascar Buttonquail, and Saklava Weaver continued the birds. Two dry country skink species were much in evidence, Tracheloptychus madagascariensis and Trachylepis aureopunctata. A very good site for , here too were Oplurus cyclurus, Phelsuma mutabilis, and the snake Mimophis mahfalensis.

Plants continued with Zygophyllum depauperatum, Delonix floribunda, Euphorbia oncoclada, Operculicarya pachypus, Pachypodium lamerai ramosum in flower, Commiphora simplicifolia with peeling bark, Cyphostema elephantopus, and the amaranth Henonia scoparia.

We found another nesting Chabert’s Vanga, and nesting Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher. Our first lemur, a Grey-brown Mouse-lemur, was a highlight.

Lunch was eaten in the shade of the restaurant here, where Commerson’s -nosed Bat roosted.

After a good lunch we headed back to Toliara and took the sandy dirt road that leads north along the coast. Familiar wintering shorebirds here included Whimbrel, Common Greenshank, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, and Grey Plover. Kittlitz’s Plover and Three-banded Plover were here too, and Terek Sandpiper. The first of several Pharmacophagus antenor, a very impressive endemic swallowtail, was on the wing.

Humboldt’s Heron in mangroves was a highlight, with the more prosaic Grey Heron. A snake, Leioheterodon geayi, on the road prompted a stop. A little later a stop to search for Madagascar Plover was successful. Cryptostegia madagascariensis represented the Apocynaceae, and Grey- headed Lovebirds flew over.

Our hotel was ideally situated beside the Mozambique Channel, with several things of interest in and around the leafy grounds.

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Day 4 Monday 3rd November Ifaty

The spiny forest was but a short journey from our hotel on the shore, and we travelled there in zebu drawn carts, a fine experience in the early morning light under clear blue skies. Three to each, the carts got us into the forest quicker than would the bus, and much further along the narrow densely vegetated entrance track. This weird and wonderful habitat was characterised by numerous Didieria madagascariensis, the baobab Adansonia rubristipa, Pachypodium geayi in fruit, the very spiny indeed Euphorbia stenoclada, Aloe divaricata, and many other spiny or succulent plants, or species with swollen trunks. Delonix floribunda was in fine bloom.

A team of local trackers met us on arrival, and they spent our time here locating some of the very special endemics that the area boasts. Before long we were enjoying prolonged views of Long-tailed Ground Roller, with all getting a superb look at this fine species, extremely closely allowing some great photos. Representing a new bird family for most of the group, later followed a Subdesert Mesite on the nest, seen superbly in the ‘scope. Last of the main track downs was a pair of the scarce Banded Kestrel, the male devouring a Warty Chamaeleon atop an octopus tree. Archbold’s Newtonia was another highlight.

Stripe-throated Jery and Souimanga Sunbirds called from atop trees, and during the morning we had various encounters with Sickle-billed, Red-tailed, and Chabert’s Vangas. Running Coua was heard, and a few Crested Couas and Green-capped Coua were both seen. Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo was a real feature early on with the call commonly heard and several birds seen. Madagascar Coucal called often too. Roosting Madagascar Nightjar was seen superbly well. Highlights continued with nesting Lafesnaye’s Vanga and Hook-Billed Vanga.

In the air was a pair of displaying Madagascar Harrier Hawks, looking fine in the sunlight. Both Lesser and Greater Vasa Parrots were seen in flight. Also seen this morning were Madagascar Kestrel, Crested Drongo, Thamnornis Warbler, Subdesert Brush Warbler, and Sakalava Weaver.

Butterflies were not numerous, but the commonest species was the beautiful endemic ‘crimson tip’ Colotis zoe. Also on the wing were Colotis lucasi, Pinacopterix eriphia, and African Monarch, and Pharmacophagus antenor occasionally drifted over. Early in the morning one small area produced quite a menagerie with a hibernating Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec, a superb find, as well as an impressive Hissing Cockroach, a ‘kung fu’ bush , and a scorpion. One bizarre life form after another. Later I found another Hissing Cockroach inside a hollow log. A white geometer was not uncommon.

The legume Chadsia flammea was numerous in flower but could I really have seen two ‘three-eyed lizards’ using a flower each as a ‘dewlap’ in head bob displays? Reptiles were few other than the Chalarodon but we did see more Trachylepis aureopunctata.

A Sportive Lemur peering out of its roost hole was another highlight, seen superbly. Perhaps surprisingly, which species of Lepilemur this is here is not obvious.

By 9am the day was warming up markedly and we headed for the comforts and shade of the hotel. We lunched at length at midday, interrupted by our first day- (Phelsuma modesta).

The afternoon session bagan with Deudorix antalus on the wing in the hotel garden. Then it was back Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 3 in the zebu carts to the spiny forest.

Among the many plants seen were an Aristolochia in flower and fruit, white flowered Delonix adansonioides, Combretum coccineum, Givotia madagascariensis, Sideroxylon sp., Cynanchum perrieri, and Adenia olaboensis. Running Coua was seen superbly.

Day 5 Tuesday 4th November Ifaty to Toliara

We got a lie-in this morning breakfasting at 0630 and heading off at about 0750. All was calm on the beach and as we left ‘giant swallowtail’ was already on the wing in the gardens. They would be rather common this morning. The newly much improved dirt road allowed reasonably fast progress. Short stops yielded a few waders such as Terek Sandpiper, and a Striated Heron. A Lycium was probably the endemic Lycium tenuum. Also seen were Hoopoe, Madagascar Swamp Warbler, Cordia mairei, and Maerua filiformis.

We had planned a few short stops en route to our next hotel south of Toliara. However an unplanned long stop came when we reached a stretch of roadworks, trucks laden with sand getting stuck themselves, and road rollers, cars, trucks, and busses waiting at each end to get through, each one that tried inevitably also getting stuck and being pulled out by one of the digging machines.

We spent about two and a half hours waiting here, but wandering into the desert scrub, and down to the mangroves, kept us amused. A creeping small Euphorbia growing near the tree-like Euphorbia stenoclada showed just what a varied this is. In flower were Plumbago aphylla and Tephrosia purpurea dunensis. The attractive plated lizard Tracheloptychus petersi was new for us and Alan then found a Dromicodryas bernieri snake devouring one, and we watched this for some time. Madagascar Cisticola was much in evidence and there were many three-eyed lizards.

Down in the mangroves the Sonneratia alba was in flower and the mud was alive with fiddler crabs of various sizes, waving busily with their pincers. There were several other species of crab too and the mud skippers caused much interest. Madagascar Swamp Warbler was here and in the air were many Madagascar Black Swifts.

We kept an eye on the road situation, and the lengthy business of each vehicle getting through, but once the last load of sand was in place on the new stretch it was fairly straightforward and we were on our way. After a stop in bustling Toliara to complete a few practicalities we drove a little further south to our well situated coastal hotel. There we settled in to the good rooms and enjoyed a very welcome lunch looking out to sea.

After a siesta we set out for an afternoon excursion south towards the limestone ridge visible from the hotel. The flora here was significantly different to what we’d seen already and included Euphorbia fiherenensis, Euphorbia leucodendron oncoclada, and Poupartia silvatica.

A small collapsed limestone cavern right beside the sea, where spring water flowed into saltwater, was an atmospheric spot that produced great views of nesting Sakalava Weaver, and Mascarene Martin. Along the nearby shoreline we looked at new mangrove species and mudskippers, and another Humblodt’s Heron. Madagascar Green Pigeon was new to us.

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The highlight was a small colony of Lepidochrysops turlini, a very local endemic lycaenid.

After dinner some of us went for a short nightwalk out along the access track to the hotel and did rather well for , with three species logged including a representative of the bizarre Geckolepis genus of fish-scale geckos. A group of geckos that not only drop their tails at times of crisis but can slough off their entire skin if need be! Also here was a beautiful Paroedura picta and a live Blaesodactylus sakalava. Nightjars were everywhere in the skies overhead and we found yet another Grey-brown Mouse-lemur.

Day 6 Wednesday 5th November Toliara, Zombitse and Isalo

A pre-breakfast walk saw us heading out along the road to a nearby series of small pools set in an expanse of rough grazing. Our target was the splendid Madagascar Sandgrouse and we had fine views of a female. Madagascar Cisticola was much in evidence.

After breakfast we took to the bus and drove the 2.5 hours to Zombitse National Park. A short stop east of Toliara yielded Allaudia comosa, Cynanchum lineare, and Bauhinia grandidieri. Sadly no hoped for Red-shouldered Vanga, but Verreaux’s Coua was seen well.

Leaving the dry coastal scrub behind we climbed up onto a plateau that had mostly been converted to agriculture of some kind or another. The island of forest at Zombitse eventually appeared in front of us on the road. Pulling into the car park we could immediately hear the evocative cries of the incredible cuckoo-roller, a bird we were shortly to see very well. The gecko Lygodactylus tolampyae was found, a species of humming-bird hawk moth nectared, and among the plants were Euphorbia enterophora, a Cissus with red flowers, and Dalechampia madagascariensis.

After completing the entry formalities and engaging some guides we headed off for what would be a very productive walk. Butterflies were everywhere and we added a large number of species to our trip list, including the swallowtails Papilio dardanus, Papilio erithonioides, Papilio epiphorbas, Graphium evombar, Graphium endochus, and Graphium cyrnus. Leptosia alcesta flew at the shady forest edge and other pierids included Appias sabina, Dixeia charina, and Belenois grandidieri. Lycaenids were represented by Hypolycaena philippus, Hemiolaus ceres and Hemiolaus cobaltina both endemic, and Cacyreus darius. Nymphalids included Yellow Pansy, Junonia rhadama, Neptis kikideli and Byblia anvatara. The skippers Coeliades ramanatek and Coeliades ernesti were pleasing finds. Acraea dammii, Acraea lia, and Acraea obeira were all here.

A highlight was fantastic views of Verreaux’s Sifaka, a group that were unconcerned by our presence and included a number of females with small youngsters. Then the guides showed us the roost of a Hubbard’s Sportive Lemur. A very large stick was impressive. Another highlight were a few of the fine orchid Aerangis decaryana in bloom, and there were also a few Lemurella culicifera.

Birds featured at Zombitse too, couas especially, with both Coquerel’s and Giant Coua, and Blue Vanga, Appert’s Tetraka, and Long-billed Bernieria all seen. White-browed Hawk-Owl was another highlight.

This was a great site but sadly we had to tear ourselves away and continue our journey, driving east, through an area dominated by ‘Wild West’ sapphire diggings, towards our next hotel. Set amongst Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 5 rocky outcrops surrounded by picturesque palm-studded grassland the hotel was quite special.

Day 7 Thursday 6th November Isalo NP

Madagascar Partridge was seen by some in the grounds of the hotel, and Purple Heron frequented the water hole. Broad-billed Rollers and Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo were much in evidence. I added the blue Rysops scintilla to the list. Impressive homopteran bugs clustered on branches, the nymphs with wispy white ornamentations. Pachypodium rosulatum was here.

After a very good breakfast we drove to the nearby Isalo National Park. First we stopped in town to pick up our guide and pay the entrance fees, and were soon on our way. Arriving at the site we walked a nice short trail up a small stream and into a remnant block of forest. On the way we enjoyed many dragonflies, a few good reptiles and a nice selection of flowering plants. Among the Odonata were Crocothemis divisa, Orthetrum abbottii and Zygonyx elisabethae. Plant wise we saw a species of Lobelia, the endemic Aloe isolanensis, the asclepiad Mascarenhausia lisianthiflora in flower, the attractive yellow flowered bindweed Merremia medium, Cassytha cilolata, and Breonadia salicina. Among legumes were Chadsia flammea and Crotalaria grevei.

Nesting White-headed Vanga was new for us and a surprise was a Helmeted Guineafowl flying high from cliff to cliff. Madagascar Cuckoo-shrike was another new endemic.

In the shade of the forest block was a very close Warty Chameleon that we admired for some time as it moved slowly, turning to initially retreat up a branch. It then made an about turn and it was obvious it was about to strike on a prey item. We all marvelled as its extraordinary tongue unfurled momentarily to its entire length, and the meal entered the chameleon. Callan for one got great photos of the sequence. Not far along was the larger Oustalet’s Chameleon, and then Phelsuma mutabilis.

Nesting Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher proved very popular with the photographers. Abrus precatorius was in fruit. Butterflies included Acraea serena, Heteropsis ankaratra, and Heteropsis narcissus fraterna.

I was pleased to find a terrestrial orchid, Cynorkis fastigiata, and with some persuasion the flowers opened! Lunch was eaten in shade by the beautiful river and several went in for a bathe. Here were several butterflies including Neptis kikideli and, under the trees, Aterica rabena. KD and Callan were busy finding Odonata. A long vigil for Ring-tailed Lemurs proved unsuccesful, but Red-fronted Brown Lemurs were here, the group watching one for some time, but on the return walk a family group was much more visible and photogenic.

The walk back was rather warm, the sun shining relentlessly down on us from a blue sky. By a small dam the orchid Cynorchis guttata was in flower.

Day 8 Friday 7th November to Ranomafana

Today was largely a transit day, traveling the lengthy distance between Le Relais de la Reine and our hotel just outside Ranomafana National Park. We spent most of the day in the bus, enjoying viewing the transition from a sandstone to a granite geology and some impressive resultant scenery. We did of

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 6 course make a number of stops along the way. Eulophia reticulata and Eulophia ibityensis flowered in the grasslands. Butterflies seen included Blue Pansy, Precis andremiaja, Coeliades rama, and Acraea ranavalona.

Lunch was eaten at a small reserve en route where we had great views of Ring-tailed Lemurs.

Day 9 Saturday 8th November Ranomafana

A remarkable day began with a 6am breakfast and a 7am departure. Sadly the hotel lights had been turned off after we’d gone to bed, so no exciting haul of etc. to welcome us in the morning. Meeting up with our guide we drove uphill to the main park trail system to try and see as many lemur species as our trackers could locate in the early morning hours.

Cathemeral was a new word to most of us. It describes an that is not strictly diurnal, nocturnal, or crepuscular, but irregularly active at any time of day or night, according to prevailing circumstances.

A day of many sightings. Lemur wise things began with Golden Bamboo Lemurs, a small group high in bamboo, watched for as long as we liked and a fine start to the day. The species was only discovered in 1985, is endemic to the park, and the reason for its designation. Next were very close Red-fronted Brown Lemurs with young, and then the very rare Greater Bamboo Lemur. Milne- Edward’s Sifakas were the crowning highlight, a troop seen superbly well, mother with young, leaping from tree to tree, even so close over our heads that Callan had to duck. Fine photographs were obtained.

Things had started well with giraffe-necked weevils on Melastomataceae. In that family the purple flowered Dichaetanthera crassinodis was much in evidence.

Butterflies were rather few but the endemic swallowtail Papilio delalandei was seen, as well as Papilio mangoura, and a few fine examples of the mother of pearl, Protogoniomorpha anacardii, here in an endemic subspecies, were much admired. The skipper Celaenorhinus ambra was a highlight and several Saribia were on the wing. Dragonfly wise KD and Callan found a good selection of damselflies. Parectatosoma hystrix was a particularly fine phasmid.

Among frogs seen were Boophis madagascariensis and the leaf litter frog Gehyromantis sculpturatus. Phelsuma quadriocellata was admired, and a highlight was the stunning phantasticus.

The epiphytic orchid Bulbophyllum baronii had sprays of delicate pale yellow flowers, whilst the terrestrial Phaius pulchellus was impressive. The carrion flower Tambourissa was highly distinctive. Among the many other plants were the epiphytic cactus Rhipsalia baccifer, species of Peperomia and Rubus, the shiny fruits of Dianella ensifolia, the invasive Clidemia hirta, Strongylodon craveniae, and a Sanicula species.

Birds were noticably few and far between this morning, however late in the walk Crossley’s Vanga on its nest was a fine sighting. In the air was Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk, surprisingly similar to the endemic buzzard. Other birds were Nelicourvi Weaver, Spectacled Tetraka, and Blue Coua. Eastern Red Forest Rat scampered on the forest floor. Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 7

Lunch back at the hotel was followed by a short break.

In the afternoon we drove back up to the waterfall and strolled along the quiet road. There were some fine plants. Both epiphytic and terrestrial Kalanchoe were here, and a fine selection of ferns. The gentian Exacum quinquenervium was in impressive flower. More of the Bulbophyllum baronii was in flower, we saw a species of Ranunculus, and Drosera madagascariensis was a great find. Of particular note was the beautiful orchid Cynorchis lowiana, the flowers of which mimic an Impatiens. The Eriocaulon here was probably Eriocaulon bifistulosum. Callan gave a fascinating talk on the biology of figs and fig wasps, and fig wasp parasites.

Calumna crypticum began the chameleons. In a roadside cave were many bats, a species of Miniopterus, and here too the frog Mantidactylus cowanii. Red-fronted Coua was seen well.

Soon it was dark and we couldn’t quite believe how many people had assembled at the mouse lemur spot to see these tiny primates come to feed on banana soaked trees. We found our own little spot and had fine views of very close Brown Mouse Lemur.

The chameleons that followed were quite remarkable. Most numerous was Calumma crypticum, of which we saw several of both sexes of various sizes. I located the diminutive Calumma nasutum rather high up. There were also Calumma gastrotaenia and Calumna fallax. Also found was a roosting Madagascar Swamp Warbler, and pulsating fireflies were a feature.

Day 10 Sunday 9th November Vohiparara (Ranomafana NP) and Transit to Antsirabe

Although we had to travel today the morning was spent in another part of Ranomafana, where we saw a wealth of fine things. Having met Emile and Chantel in the village we drove to Vohiparara. Things started well with Giraffe-necked Weevil. Then a Madagascar Boa was found, Dalton bringing it to the group for a closer look. There followed a fine plated lizard, Zonosaurus ornatus.

Frogs were a feature of the walk today, with all of the following found. Mantidactylus melanopleura, Gephryomantis asper, tiny Plethodontohyla notosticta, Mantidactylus majori, Aglyptodactylus vohiparara newly described and not in the field guide, and Guibemantis pulcher in Pandanus. The highlight was probably the lovely Mantella baroni.

Among many satyrids were Heteropsis cowani, Heteropsis angulifascia, Strabena triophthalma, Strabena ibitina, and Strabena smithii. This distinctive acraeaid Pardopsis punctatissima was on the wing and also here were Papilio morondavana was Leptosia nupta. Again birds were not the focus here but a male Velvet Asity was a highlight, and Tyla’s Vanga was seen. Of particular note were distinctive signs of Aye-aye feeding. Eastern Red Forest Rat was again here. Benthamia spiralis was going over on the forest floor.

We found a nymph and then an older individual of a fantastic moss mimic stick insect, Parectatosoma macquersii.

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It was time to head north, and our journey took us back across the grasslands as we headed towards our next hotel. A puncture held us up a bit, and here was flying a species of Strabena.

A scheduled break by some abandoned paddy fields, with some remnant natural vegetation, produced a Jewel Chameleon, many Oplurus quadrimaculatus, and the skink Trachylepis vato. Madagascar Stonechat, now split, was seen closely. Among Odonata here were Madagascar Emerald, Madagascar Blue Emperor, and Madagascar Bluet. A robust Aristea was in flower, there were species of Senecio and Erica, and Phytolacca americana.

Our journey took us through Uapaca woodland, and near Antsirabe was our hotel, run by an NGO that helps children, and set amid expansive grounds.

Day 11 Monday 10th November Antsirabe to Perinet

Madagascar Buttonquail was seen in the gardens where were also many butterflies, even early in the day. These included several very fresh Painted Ladies, Junonia rhadama, Acraea mahela, and Strabena tamatavae.

This was another traveling day, and among things seen at various stops were Charaxes andara, Madagascar Pratincole, and Sooty Falcon.

A longer stop in Fraxinus udhei woodland yielded Forest Rock Thrush, a fine warty weevil, and Calumna brevicorne.

Day 12 Tuesday 11th November Andasibe NP

We awoke to the song of Indri resonating from the adjacent patch of good forest.

A supremely productive morning was spent in Amalozoatra reserve not far from our hotel. The reserve was already somewhat busy with visitors. Whilst Callan completed the formalities we watched many Guibemantis frogs in the pandanus and I located another chameleon, Calumma brevicorne. Phelsuma lineata was here too, and KD saw Madagascar Wood-rail.

Our local guides led us along the forest trails, with many highlights along the way. Our first lemur experience was with Diademed Sifakas, ridiculously close and a prolonged encounter. Two were play fighting and our presence seemed to not bother them at all as we sat or stood silently in the forest, the tumbling pair often almost touching some of us as they cavourted on the ground and from tree to tree. A truly stunning encounter with this very beautiful primate. Another memorable experience followed as we stood below Indri, the largest of the living lemurs (although all recently extinct taxa of lemur were larger than this species). We had fine views but when they started calling the volume was something incredible. Those in the group with hearing aids said it was quite uncomfortable. The calls carry over several kilometers and groups this far apart respond to each other. There followed two troops of Common Brown Lemurs, perhaps not quite as charismatic, but still fascinating .

Bird wise was a nest of of the difficult-to-see Madagascar Sparrowhawk, with a bird in attendance. Blue Coua was seen well, Spectacled Tetraka was here, Nuthatch Vanga called, and roosting Collared

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Nightjar was seen very closely.

Highlight for some of us was the incredibly camouflaged Uroplatus sikorae. Bibilava epistibes and Aglyptodactylus madagascariensis were both found, and Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher was seen well.

Later in the morning the butterflies were taking to the wing. Swallowtails included Papilio oribazus, Papilio mangoura, Graphium evombar, and Graphium cyrnus. The unusual Pseudacraea imerina was a highlight. A bewildering selection of satyrids on the forest floor included Heteropsis vola, Heteropsis passandava, Heteropsis subsimilis, and Heteropsis pallida. Also here were Leopard and Precis andremiaja. Madagascar Demoiselle, Phaon rasoherinae, and Madagascar Jungle Skimmer were pleasing finds.

Among a fine selection of invertebrates were a Sphaerotherium pill millipede, various bugs, phasmids, a buprestid beetle, and a particularly interesting orthopteran.

A bonus towards the end of the morning was Rainforest Scops Owl.

Back at the HQ I was pleased to find the French orchid book on sale. Lunch was eaten in a nearby restaurant, Hypolimnas dexithea on the wing.

Mid afternoon we arrived back at the hotel with free time, or the chance to explore the gardens and nearby forest.

After dinner a night walk yielded Crossley’s Dwarf Lemur and Eastern Avahi.

In the evenings many moths were attracted to the lodge lights, among them the the sphingid Panogera jasmini, and some fine mantids.

Day 13 Wednesday 12th November Mantadia NP

Today we visited the fine forest of Mantadia National Park. A fine day for lemurs yielded a group of Eastern Grey Bamboo Lemurs, Black and White Ruffed Lemur, Red-bellied Lemur, and stunning Diademed Sifaka.

Birds included Madagascar Grebe, Madagascar Harrier Hawk, Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar Green Pigeons, Madagascar Blue Pigeon new for the tour, Madagascar Spinetail, Blue Coua, Ward’s Vanga, Rand’s Warbler, Green Jery, Madagascar Starling, and Forest Fody.

Short-legged Ground Roller was probably the bird highlight. Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher was seen well and both Greater and Lesser Vasa Parrots flew over.

A selection of swallowtails included Papilio delalandei, Papilio oribazus, Papilio mangoura, and Graphium endochus.

Around the lodge were Chaberts’s Vanga, the distictive fern Odontosoria melleri with a red stipe, Precis andremiaja, several Strabena and Heteropsis species, an interesting selection of Heteroptera Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 10 and other . Fine views were had of three close Red-bellied Lemurs. Dark and Common Newtonias were both here.

Late afternoon, Barn Owl hunted over the grassland.

Day 15 Thursday 13th November Andasibe and Departure

There was time for another visit to Amalozoatra in the morning, where Madagascar Ibis was a highlight in the forest. A bonus was Madagascar Flufftail along the hotel drive.

We had various departures, mine the earliest, and a driver took me to Antananarivo before the rest of the group who traveled later with Callan. From there I flew back via Mauritius, spending another day there searching out that island’s endemics.

Madagascar Systematic Lists 2014

Compiled by Paul Cardy

Itinerary:- Saturday 1st November. Arrival. Antananarivo. Lac Alarobia. Sunday 2nd November. To Toliara. Arboretum d’Antsokay. To Ifaty. Monday 3rd November. Ifaty. Tuesday 4th November. Ifaty, Toliara. Wednesday 5th November. Toliara, Zombitse, Isalo. Thursday 6th November. Isalo National Park. Friday 7th November. Jardin de Roi to Ranomafana via Anja. Saturday 8th November. Ranomafana. Sunday 9th November. Vohiparara. To Madalicef. Monday 10th November. To Andasibe. Tuesday 11th November. Andasibe. Wednesday 12th November. Mantadia. Thursday 13th November. Andasibe. Departure.

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Systematic List Number 1 Vascular Plants

This is our first attempt to compile a list for plants seen on the Madagascar trip. It is therefore highly provisional and will certainly be built upon on future tours. Among works used were:- ‘Plantes de Madagascar. Atlas.’ By Lucile Allorge, Ulmer 2008. ‘Flore de Madagascar et des Comores’ by Henri Humbert, Paris, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle. ‘The Leguminosae of Madagascar’ by Du Puy et.al. 2002, Kew. ‘Succulent and Xerophytic Plants of Madagascar’ by W.Rauh, Volume 1 1995, Volume 2 1998, Strawberry Press, California.

Ferns and their allies Adiantaceae Pellaea viridis Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern. This species or similar

Aspleniaceae Asplenium nidus Bird’s-nest fern

Cyatheaceae Cyathea spp. Eastern forests. 40 species on Madagascar.

Dennstaedtiaceae Odontosoria melleri Eulophiella

Gleicheniaceae Dichranopteris linearis Tall fern with fronds forking and 1-pinnate.

Lycopodiaceae Huperzia spp.

Osmundaceae Osmunda regalis Royal Fern

Polypodiaceae Platycerium spp.

Thelypteridaceae Thelypteris sp. Lac Alarobia

Conifers Araucariaceae Araucaria heterophylla Araucaria cunninghamii

Pinaceae Pinus caribaea Caribbean Pine 3-needle pine, dark green glossy Pinus khasya Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 12

Podocarpaceae Podocarpus madagascariensis

Angiosperms DICOTYLEDONES Acanthaceae Anisotes madagascariensis Shrub with red tubular flowers. Notched ovate thick silvery leaves. North of Toliara. Asystasia gangetica Barleria lupulina Yellow flowers. North of Toliara. Crossandra sp. Yellow flowers. North of Toliara. Oplonia vincoides Shrub with mauve flowers. East of Toliara. Ruellia atropurpurea White flowers with purple lower lip. East of Toliara. Thunbergia alata Black-eyed Susan Lac Alarobia

Amaranthaceae Celosia argentea Cock’s-comb Henonia scoparia Antsokay

Anacardiaceae Abrahamia sp. Andasibe Micronychia microphylla Ranomafana Operculicarya decaryi Operculicarya pachypus Antsokay Poupartia minor This at La Tabla? Poupartia silvatica Sclerocarya birrea caffra

Aphloiaceae Aphloia theaeformis

Apiaceae Centella asiatica a marsh pennywort Lac Alarobia Phellolophium madagascariense Ranomafana marshes Sanicula sp. Ranomafana

Apocynaceae Asclepias curassavica Lac Alarobia Catharanthus roseus Madagascar Periwinkle Cryptostegia madagascariensis Pink trumpets. Ifaty. Cynanchum compactum This species at Isalo? Cynanchum lineare Narrow leaves. White flowers turn yellow. East of Toliara. Cynanchum perrieri Ifaty Cynanchum sp. Toliara. Ichnolepis graminifolia Isalo. Linear leaves. Gives its name to the park.

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Marsdenia brevisquama Mascarenhasia lisianthiflora Isalo Nerium oleander Oleander Pachypodium geayi In fruit Ifaty. In flower Toliara Botanic Garden. Pachypodium lamerai Spines in threes on trunk. Showy white flowers. Toliara Botanic Garden. Pachypodium rosulatum Yellow flowers. Isalo. Thevetia peruviana Yellow Oleander Voacanga thoursaii The dominant flowering tree at Relais de la Reine.

Araliaceae Schefflera sp.

Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia sp. In flower at Ifaty

Asteraceae Ageratum sp. Artemisia annua This species cultivated? Aspilia africana Aspilia thoursii Bidens pilosa Small white daisy-like heads with yellow centre, opposite pinnate leaves Dicoma incana Glaucous-leaved shrub common in Isalo area Emilia humifuga Orange flowers Emilia spp. Helichrysum spp. Lac Alarobia, Relais de la Reine Hypochoeris radicata Cat’s-ear Psiadia altissima Senecio spp. Tridax procumbens Coat-buttons Weed with white notched ray petals. Widespread.

Avicenniaceae Avicennia marina

Balsaminaceae Impatiens sp. Ranomafana

Bignoniaceae Ophiocolea sp. Andasibe Fernandoa sp. Spiny forest Stereospermum sp.

Boraginaceae Cordia mairei South west

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Heliotropium indicum Annual with rough ovate leaves and pale lilac curving double spikes. Widespread in south-west.

Brassicaceae Boscia sp. Spiny forest Lepidium africanum This species at Lac Alarobia? Tylachium sp.

Buddlejaceae Buddleja madagascariensis

Burseraceae Canarium sp. Commiphora monsterosa La Tabla Commiphora simplicifolia Spiny Forest

Cactaceae Cereus hexagonus Opuntia dillenii South west Opuntia stricta South west Rhipsalis baccifera Ranomafana, Andasibe

Capparidaceae Maerua filiformis South west

Casuarinaceae Casuarina equisetifolia Coastal

Celastraceae Gymnosporia sp. Maytenus sp Evonymopsis sp. Loeseneriella sp. Five green petals. South of Toliara

Celtidaceae Trema orientalis Scattered at forest edge

Clusiaceae Harungana madagascariensis Lac Alarobia etc. Hypericum sp. A herb in Ranomafana marshes Mammea sp. Andasibe Psorospermum sp. Symphonia spp. Eastern forests

Combretaceae Combretum coccineum Ifaty Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 15

Combretum grandidieri This species at Ifaty? Tubular red flowers. Combretum sp. Terminalia catappa Indian Almond Distinctive arrangement of layered branches and terminally clustered leathery obovate leaves

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea pes-caprae Sea Morning Glory Purple-pink trumpets 3-6cm and distinctive “goat’s- foot” leaves. Coastal. Merremia medium Yellow flowers, narrow leaves

Crassulaceae Crassula sp. Kalanchoe spp.

Cunoniaceae Weinmania sp.

Didieraceae Alluaudia comosa East of Toliara Alluaudiopsis marnieriana Ifaty, zigzag stems Didierea madagascariensis Common in Ifaty area

Droseraceae Drosera madagascariensis Ranomafana

Elaeaocarpaceae Sloania sp. Ranomafana

Ericaceae Erica spp. 35 occur on Madagascar

Euphorbiaceae Acalypha spp. Amyrea sp. Andasibe, Indri site Antidesma madagascariense Brydelia sp. Mantadia Chamaesyce hirta Croton spp. Dalechampia madagascariensis Zombitse Euphorbia enterophora ‘Tree’ with flattened cladodes, east of Toliara Euphorbia fiherenensis Tree, succulent cylindrical stems. South of Toliara. Euphorbia leucodendron oncoclada Tree, constrictions along branches, south of Toliara. Euphorbia milii Euphorbia stenoclada Very spiny. Ifaty and Toliara.

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Euphorbia tirucalli South of Toliara Euphorbia spp. Givotia madagascariensis Ifaty Jatropha mahafalensis Jatropha sp. Macaranga sp. Andasibe, Anja Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant Securinega sp. Spiny forest Uapaia bojeri Tapia Madalif

Fabaceae Abrus precatorius Isalo Acacia nilotica Naturalised Toliara Albizia spp. Arachis hypogea Peanut Antsirabe Bauhinia grandidieri In flower at Ifaty Bauhinia spp. Caesalpinia bonduc Coastal weed Cassia spp. Chadsia flammea Zombitse Chadsia grevei Very common in the south west Crotalaria grevei Isalo Crotalaria spp. Dalbergia spp. Delonix adansonioides In flower at Ifaty Delonix decaryi Delonix floribunda In flower at Ifaty Delonix pumila Delonix regia Flamboyant Widely planted native Desmodium incanum Lac Alarobia Dialium sp. Zombitse Dichrostachys sp. Andasibe Entada sp. Mantadia Macroptilium atropurpureum Madagascar Pratincole site Millettia sp. Mimosa delicatula South west Mundulea micrantha Shrub with pink flowers. South-west. Mundulea sp. Isalo NP Schizolobium parahyba Tree with panicles of impressive yellow flowers. From the Neotropics. Schizolobium sp. Strongylodon craveniae Ranomafana Tamarindus indica Tamarind Tephrosia purpurea dunensis North of Toliara Tetrapterocarpon geayi

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Gentianaceae Anthocleista sp. Andasibe first bridge Exacum quinquenervium Near Ranomafana waterfall

Geraniaceae Geranium sp.

Gesneriaceae Streptocarpus sp. Ranomafana

Hernandiaceae Gyrocarpus americanus

Lamiaceae Clerodendrum sp. Andasibe Leonotis nepetifolia Naturalised Pycnostachys caerulea Lac Alarobia Salvia coccinea Naturalised Salvia sp.

Lauraceae Cassytha filiformis Cryptocarya sp. Ocotea sp.

Lentibuliariaceae Utricularia sp. By the river at Isalo

Lobeliaceae Lobelia spp. Several seen

Loganiaceae Strychnos madagascariensis

Lythraceae Woodfordia fruticosa Fire Bush Red tubular flowers

Maesaceae Maesa lanceolata Mantadia

Malvaceae Adansonia rubrostipa Ifaty Adansonia za Zombitse etc. Byttneria sp. Dombeya eastern rainforests

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Sida cordifolia This species Lac Alarobia?

Melastomataceae Clidemia hirta Typical hairy Melastomatacean herb, but small white flowers Dichaetanthera condifolia Dichaetanthera crassinodis Ranomafana, Andasibe, in fine flower Lijndenia sp.

Meliaceae Azadirachta indica Neem Tree: alternate pinnate leaves – no terminal leaflet, all other leaflets sickle-shaped with very unequal sides. Melia azedarach Invasive Neobeguea sp. La Tabla Turraea sp. Zombitse

Monimiaceae Tambourissa spp. Ranomafana, Andasibe. Flowers at ground level.

Moraceae Ficus spp.

Moringaceae Moringa drouhardi South of Toliara Moringa hildebrandtii In cultivation Moringa sp.

Myrsinaceae Oncostemum sp.

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus spp. Eugenia sp. Psidium sp. Syzygium sp.

Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia ?repens

Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea nouchali Blue Water Lily var.caerulea

Ochnaceae Ouratea sp. Mantadia

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Oleaceae Fraxinus udhei Fraxinus sp.

Onagraceae Ludwigia spp. Lac Alarobia, Andasibe

Passifloraceae Adenia olaboensis Ifaty Adenia spp. Ifaty, Toliara Passiflora spp.

Pedaliaceae Uncarina stellulifera Fruits with longs spines Uncarina sp. In flower south of Toliara

Peperomiaceae Peperomia spp.

Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus sp.

Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca americana American Pokeweed

Piperaceae Piper spp. 2 at Ranomafana

Plantaginaceae Plantago major

Plumbaginaceae Plumbago aphylla North of Toliara

Polygalaceae Polygala sp. Zombitse

Polygonaceae Polygonum capitatum Andasibe Polygonum poiretii Lac Alarobia Polygonum meissnerianum Broad leaves, Andasibe track sides

Proteaceae Dilobeia thouarsii Mantadia Grevillea robusta Silky Oak Planted

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Ranunculaceae Ranunculus sp. Ranomafana

Rhamnaceae Zizyphus sp.

Rhizophoraceae Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Rosaceae Rubus spp.

Rubiaceae Breonadia salicina Along rivers Mussaenda sp. Psychotria spp. Saldinia spp.

Rutaceae Cedrelopsis grevei Zanthoxylum decaryi Ifaty Zanthoxylum sp.

Salicaceae Salix madagascariensis

Salvadoraceae Salvadora sp.

Sapindaceae Filicium sp.

Sapotaceae Carpinodendron sp. Spiny forest Sideroxylon sp. Ifaty

Scrophulariaceae Alectra sp. Yellow flowers, Isalo Bacopa monnieri Water Hyssop Sub-actinomorphic pale violet flowers. Flats in south west. Scoparia dulcis Herb, white flowers

Solanaceae Lycium tenuum North of Toliara Solanum mauritianum Lac Alarobia etc.

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Solanum sp. Short spines, white flowers, spiny fruits. Solanum spp.

Sonneratiaceae Sonneratia alba

Thymelaeaceae Lasiosiphon sp. South west

Tiliaceae Grewia tulearensis Ifaty

Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis Lantana camara Lantana Widespread and abundant

Vitaceae Cissus spp. Cyphostemma elephantopus Arboretum d’Antsokay Cyphostemma spp.

Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllum depauperatum Shrub with green fruits. Toliara area.

MONOCOTYLEDONES

Agavaceae Agave americana Agave sisalana

Amaryllidaceae Crinum firmifoliumum Ranomafana, endemic

Araceae Pothos scandens On tree trunks, Ranomafana and Andasibe

Arecaceae Bismarckia nobilis Isalo Dypsis spp. 150 species occur Raphia farinifera Phoenix dactylifera Introduced Ravenea sp.

Asparagaceae Asparagus spp. Anja, Isalo

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Dracaena spp.

Asphodelaceae ‘The Aloe of Madagascar’ by Castillon and Castillon, 2010, is a fine monograph of the genus. Aloe divaricata Ifaty Aloe isaloensis Isalo

Commelinaceae Coleotrype sp. Commelina spp.

Cyperaceae Cyperus papyrus var.madagascariensis Cyperus spp.

Eriocaulaceae Eriocaulon bifistulosum Probably this species at Ranomafana

Iridaceae Aristea spp. Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora Sisyrinchium sp. Naturalised at forest edge

Liliaceae Dianella ensifolia Ranomafana, Andasibe

Orchidaceae Aerangis decaryana 3 in fine flower at Zombitse Benthamia spiralis Vohiparara forest floor Bulbophyllum baronii Rather common at Ranomafana Cynorkis fastigiata 1 at the Isalo campsite Cynorkis guttata By the small dam at Isalo Cynorkis lowiana Ranomafana roadsides, an Impatiens mimic Eulophia ibityensis Eulophia reticulata Lemurella culicifera A few in flower at Zombitse Oeonia rosea Phaius pulchellus Terrestrial at Ranomafana Vanilla decaryana Antsokay, not in flower Vanilla madagascariensis Antsokay, not in flower

Pandanaceae Pandanus spp. 100 species occur in Madagascar

Poaceae Bambusa vulgaris aureo-variegata Lac Alarobia

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Imperata cylindrica 1m tall grass with silvery white spike Oriza sativa

Pontederiaceae Eichhornia crassipes Water Hyacinth

Smilacaceae Smilax sp. Ranomafana

Strelitziaceae Ravenala madagascariensis Traveller’s Palm

Velloziaceae Xerophyta sp. Gone over east of Toliara

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Systematic List Number 2 Birds

The generally follows ‘The Birds of Africa, Volume 8, The Malagasy Region’ by Safford and Hawkins, Helm 2013.

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Isalo National Park Madagascar Partridge Margaroperdix madagarensis Seen on an early morning walk at Relais de la Reine. Endemic. Common Quail Coturnix coturnix Heard on Day 10 White-faced Whistling Dendrocygna viduata Common at Lac Alarobia, Duck also over the river at Ranomafana. Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos A few at Lac Alarobia Meller’s Duck Anas melleri 8+ Lac Alarobia. Endemic. Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha Numerous at Lac Alarobia, also Day 11 Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota Several at Lac Alarobia Madagascar Little Grebe Tachybaptus pelzelnii Mantadia NP. Endemic. Madagascar Crested Ibis Lophotibis cristata Andasibe. Endemic. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Common at Lac Alarobia, heard on Day 4 Striated Heron Butorides striata Toliara and Day 12 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Common at Lac Alarobia Madagascar Pond Heron Ardeola idae Lac Alarobia and Isalo Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Scattered records Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Day 2 Humblot’s Heron Ardea humbloti North and south of Toliara. Endemic. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Seen on three days. Great Egret Casmerodius albus Around Antananarivo, and Day 10 Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca Lac Alarobia Dimorphic Egret Egretta dimorpha Scattered records Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Seen on 3 days Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk Aviceda madagascariensis Ranomafana. Endemic. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius Widespread and often numerous Madagascar Harrier Hawk Polyboroides radiatus A pair at Ifaty, and Mantadia. Endemic. Madagascar Buzzard Buteo brachypterus Scattered records. Endemic. Madagascar Sparrowhawk Accipiter madagascariensis Nesting at Andasibe. Endemic. Henst’s Goshawk Accipiter henstii Heard at Ranomafana. Endemic. Banded Kestrel Falco zoniventris A pair in Ifaty area. Endemic. Madagascar Kestrel Falco newtoni Widespread in small numbers. Endemic. Sooty Falcon Falco concolor Day 10 Subdesert Mesite Monias benschi Ifaty. Endemic. Madagascar Flufftail Sarothrura insularis Eulophiella, and heard elsewhere. Endemic. Madagascar Wood Rail Canirallus kioloides Andasibe. Endemic. White-throated Rail Dryolimnas cuvieri Lac Alarobia and Andasibe. Endemic. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Lac Alarobia and Day 12 Madagascar Button-quail Turnix nigricollis Arboretum d’Antsokay, Isalo, and Day 10. Endemic. Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 25

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus South west Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola North of Toliara Madagascar Plover Charadrius thoracicus Ifaty. Endemic. Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius Ifaty and Day 5 Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris South west and Day 9 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus South west Greenshank Tringa nebularia South west Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus South west Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos South west and Day 10 Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres South west Sanderling Calidris alba South west Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea South west Madagascar Pratincole Glareola ocularis Day 10. Endemic. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis South west Madagascar Sandgrouse Pterocles personatus A female south of Toliara. Endemic. Feral Pigeon Columba livia Scattered records Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Common in the south west Madagascar Green Pigeon Treron australis South west and Day 12. Endemic. Madagascar Blue Pigeon Alectroenas Mantadia. Endemic. madagascariensis Madagascar Turtle Dove Streptopelia picturata Daily in the first week. Endemic. Grey-headed Lovebird Agapornis cana South west and Isalo. Endemic. Greater Vasa Parrot Coracopsis vasa Seen on 6 days. Regional Endemic. Lesser Vasa Parrot Coracopsis nigra Seen on 5 days. Regional Endemic. Madagascar Coucal Centropus toulou Widespread in small numbers. Regional Endemic. Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus rochii Widespread, seen on ten days. Breeding Endemic. Green-capped Coua Coua (ruficeps) olivaceiceps Ifaty area. Endemic. Running Coua Coua cursor On two days in the southwest. Endemic. Giant Coua Coua gigas Zombitse. Endemic. Coquerel’s Coua Coua coquereli Zombitse. Endemic. Red-fronted Coua Coua reynaudii Ranomafana. Endemic. Blue Coua Coua caerulea Andasibe, Mantadia, and Ranomafana. Endemic. Crested Coua Coua cristata Ifaty. Endemic. Verreaux’s Coua Coua verreauxi East of Toliara. Endemic. White-browed Hawk-Owl Ninox superciliaris Day 5. Endemic. Western Barn Owl Tyto alba Eulophiella Rainforest Scops Owl Otus rutilus Andasibe. Endemic. Collared Nightjar Caprimulgus enarratus Andasibe. Endemic. Madagascar Nightjar Caprimulgus Widespread. madagascariensis Regional Endemic. Madagascar Spinetail Zoonavena grandidieri Zombitse, Mantadia. Regional Endemic. African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Widespread. Malagasy Black Swift Apus balstoni Scattered records. Treated as a subspecies of African Black Swift, Apus barbatus, in BoA 8. Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 26

Little Swift Apus affinis Heard in the south west Madagascar Cuckoo-roller Leptosomus discolor Andasibe and Zombitse. Regional Endemic. Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus Scattered records Short-legged Ground Roller Brachypteracias leptosomus Mantadia. Endemic. Pitta-like Ground Roller Atelornis pittoides Heard at Ranomafana. Endemic. Long-tailed Ground Roller Uratelornis chimaera 1 at Ifaty. Endemic. Madagascar Malachite Corythornis vintsioides Scattered records, seen on 5 Kingfisher days. Regional Endemic. Madagascar Pygmy Corythornis Ranomafana and Andasibe. Kingfisher madagascariensis Endemic. Olive Bee-eater Merops superciliosus Widespread Madagascar Hoopoe Upupa marginata Antananarivo and Isalo. Endemic. Velvet Asity Philepitta castanea A male at Ranomafana. Endemic. Archbold’s Newtonia Newtonia archboldi Ifaty. Endemic. Common Newtonia Newtonia brunneicauda Ifaty, Ranomafana, Andasibe. Endemic. Dark Newtonia Newtonia amphichroa Eastern forests. Endemic. Red-tailed Vanga Calicalicus madagascariensis Ifaty and Zombitse. Endemic. Tylas Vanga Tylas eduardi Ranomafana. Endemic. Nuthatch Vanga Hypositta corallirostris Heard at Andasibe. Endemic. Blue Vanga Cyanolanius madagascarinus Zombitse. Endemic. Crossley’s Vanga Mystacornis crossleyi On nest at Ranomafana. Endemic. Chabert Vanga Leptopterus chabert Widespread in small numbers. Seen on 10 days. Endemic. Ward’s Vanga Pseudobias wardi Mantadia. Endemic. Hook-billed Vanga Vanga curvirostris Ifaty. Heard at Isalo. Endemic. Rufous Vanga Schetba rufa Heard at Ranomafana. Endemic. Lafresnaye’s Vanga Xenopirostris xenopirostris A nesting pair at Ifaty. Endemic. White-headed Vanga Artamella viridis A nesting pair at Isalo, and Andasibe. Endemic. Sickle-billed Vanga Falculea palliata On two days in the south-west. Endemic. Madagascar Cuckoo Shrike Coracina cinerea Isalo and heard at Ranomafana. Endemic. Crested Drongo Dicrurus forficatus Widespread. Regional Endemic. Madagascar Paradise Terpsiphone mutata Widespread. Regional Flycatcher Endemic. Pied Crow Corvus albus Widespread and common Madagascar Lark Mirafra hova Widespread and common. Endemic. Madagascar Bulbul Hypsipetes madagascariensis Widespread and common. Regional Endemic. Mascarene Martin Phedina borbonica Widespread. Breeding Endemic. Brown-throated (Plain) Riparia paludicola A few records Martin Madagascar Brush Warbler Nesillas typica Scattered records. Regional Endemic. Subdesert Brush Warbler Nesillas lantzii Toliara and Ifaty areas. Endemic. Madagascar Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus newtoni Scattered records. Endemic. Long-billed Bernieria Bernieria madagascariensis Zombitse and Ranomafana. Endemic. Thamnornis Thamnornis chloropetoides Ifaty. Endemic. Spectacled Tetraka Xanthomixis zosterops Ranomafana and Andasibe. Endemic. Appert’s Tetraka Xanthomixis apperti Zombitse. Endemic. Rand’s Warbler Randia pseudozosterops Mantadia. Endemic. Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 27

Common Jery Neomixis tenella Widespread. Endemic. Stripe-throated Jery Neomixis striatigula Scattered records. Endemic. Green Jery Neomixis viridis Mantadia and Andasibe. Endemic. Madagascar Cisticola Cisticola cherina Widespread. Endemic. Madagascar White-eye Zosterops maderaspatanus Widespread. Regional Endemic. Madagascar Starling Hartlaubius auratus Mantadia. Endemic. Common Mynah Acridotheres tristis Widespread and numerous. Madagascar Magpie Robin Copsychus albospecularis Seen daily. Endemic. Madagascar Stonechat Saxicola sibilla Daily from day 9 onwards. Endemic. Forest Rock Thrush Monticola sharpei Isalo and Day 10. Endemic. Madagascar Green Sunbird Nectarinia notata Scattered records. Regional Endemic. Souimanga Sunbird Nectarinia souimanga Seen daily. Regional Endemic. Nelicourvi Weaver Ploceus nelicourvi Andasibe, Mantadia, and Ranomafana. Endemic. Sakalava Weaver Ploceus sakalava South west. Endemic. Madagascar Fody Foudia madagascariensis Widespread and common. Endemic. Forest Fody Foudia omissa Mantadia. Endemic. Madagascar Mannikin Lonchura nana Widespread. Endemic. Madagascar Wagtail Motacilla flaviventris Widespread. Endemic.

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Systematic List Number 3 Mammals

The taxonomy and nomenclature follow ‘Mammals of Madagascar’ by Nick Garbutt, 2007.

Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec Echinops telfairi Ifaty Lowland Streaked Tenrec Hemicentetes semispinosus Eulophiella drive Hova Mole Tenrec Oryzorictes hova Andasibe Commerson’s Leaf-nosed Hipposideros commersoni Arboretum d’Antsokay Bat Bat sp. Miniopterus sp. Ranomafana Brown Mouse Lemur Microcebus rufus c.4 at Ranomafana Grey-brown Mouse Lemur Microcebus griseorufus On 2 days in south west Furry-eared Dwarf Lemur Cheirogaleus crossleyi 2 at Andasibe Hubbard’s Sportive Lemur Lepilemur ruficaudatus Zombitse, and this species Ifaty? Eastern Grey Bamboo Lemur Hapalemur griseus Mantadia Golden Bamboo Lemur Hapalemur aureus Ranomafana Greater Bamboo Lemur Prolemur sinus Ranomafana Ring-tailed Lemur Lemur catta Several at Anja Red-bellied Lemur Eulemur rubriventer Eulophiella and Mantadia Common Brown Lemur Eulemur fulvus 2 troops at Andasibe Red-fronted Brown Lemur Eulemur rufus Isalo and Ranomafana Black-and-white Ruffed Varecia variegata 1 at Mantadia Lemur Eastern Avahi Avahi laniger Andasibe Diademed Sifaka Propithecus diadema Andasibe and Mantadia Milne-Edwards’s Sifaka Propithecus edwardsi Ranomafana Verreaux’s Sifaka Propithecus verreauxi Zombitse and Isalo Indri Indri indri Seen superbly at Andasibe Eastern Red Forest Rat Nesomys rufus A few at Ranomafana

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Systematic List Number 4 Amphibians and Reptiles

Nomenclature follows the excellent ‘A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar’, Glaw and Vences, 3rd Edition 2007.

Ptychadenidae Ptychadena mascareniensis Malagasy Rocket Frog Ifaty

Hyperoliidae Heterixalus betsileo Ponds day 9 Heterixalus luteostriatus Anja Heterixalus sp. Ifaty

Microhylidae Plethodontohyla notosticta Vohiparara, extremely small Platypelis grandis Heard at Ranomafana

Mantellidae Boophis luteus Boophis madagascariensis Andasibe Boophis cf. rappoides Chez Cristo Aglyptodactylus madagascariensis Andasibe Aglyptodactylus vohiparara Vohiparara Mantella baroni Vohiparara, Mantadia Guibemantis pulcher a pandanus frog On Pandanus at Vohiparara Guibemantis sp. a pandanus frog An as yet undescribed species on Pandanus at Andasibe Gephryomantis asper Vohiparara Gephryomantis sculpturatus Ranomafana Mantidactylus cowanii This species at Ranomafana, bat cave? Mantidactylus majori A few at Vohiparara Mantidactylus melanopleura Vohiparara (PGC) Mantidactylus sp.

Testudinidae Astrochelys radiata Radiated Tortoise In captivity at Antsokay

Crocodylidae Crocodylus niloticus Nile Crocodile Relais de la Reine

Chamaeleonidae Brookesia sp. Anja Calumma brevicorne Short-horned Chameleon Andasibe Calumma crypticum Blue-legged Chameleon Several at Ranomafana Calumma fallax Ranomafana

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Calumma nasutum Sharp-nosed Chameleon Ranomafana Calumma gastrotaenia Band-bellied Chameleon Ranomafana Calumma glawi A female of this species at Ranomafana? Furcifer lateralis Jewel Chameleon By ponds on Day 9 Furcifer oustaleti Oustalet’s Chameleon Ifaty Furcifer verrucosus Warty Chameleon South west and Isalo

Iguanidae Oplurus cyclurus Ifaty and Isalo Oplurus fierinensis South of Toliara Oplurus quadrimaculatus Isalo and day 9 ponds Chalarodon Three-eyed Lizard Common in Toliara and madagascariensis Ifaty areas. Zonosaurus madagascariensis Andasibe and Mantadia Zonosaurus ornatus Ornate Girdled Lizard Ranomafana Tracheloptychus madagascariensis Toliara and Ifaty areas Tracheloptychus petersi North of Toliara

Scincidae Trachylepis aureopunctata Gold-spotted Skink Toliara and Ifaty Trachylepis gravenhorstii Gravenhorst’s Skink Eulophiella Trachylepis vato Ponds Day 9

Gekkonidae Geckolepis sp. a fish-scale gecko Night walk south of Toliara Hemidactylus frenatus Common House Gecko Scattered records Hemidactylus mercatorius Gray’s Leaf-toed Gecko Night walk south of Toliara Paroedura picta Big-headed Gecko Night walk south of Toliara Uroplatus phantasticus 1 at Ranomafana Uroplatus sikorae Andasibe Lygodactylus tolampyae Grandidier’s Dwarf Gecko Zombitse Lygodactylus tuberosus South west Lygodactylus sp. Lac Alarobia Phelsuma lineata Common at Andasibe, and at Ranomafana Phelsuma modesta South west Phelsuma mutabilis Ifaty and Zombitse Phelsuma quadriocellata Peacock Day Gecko Ranomafana Phelsuma standingi Standing’s Day Gecko Zombitse

Boidae Sanzinia madagascariensis Madagascar Tree Boa Vohiparara

Colubridae Leioheterodon geayi A road casualty north of Toliara

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Ithycyphus oursi Relais de la Reine Bibilava epistibes Bibilava lateralis Madagascan Whipsnake Ifaty Dromicodryas bernieri Antsokay, and north of Toliara with Tracheloptychus petersi prey. Mimophis mahfalensis Mahafaly Sand Snake Antsokay Botanic Garden

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Systematic List Number 5 Butterflies

The taxonomy and systematic order follow ‘Classification, Diversity, and Endemism of the Butterflies (Papilionoidea and Hesperoidea): a Revised Species Checklist’, by Lees, Kremen and Raharitsimba in ‘The Natural History of Madagascar’ by Goodman and Benstead, 2003. Bold type indicates an endemic species or subspecies.

Papilionidae 12 of the 14 native species were seen Graphium evombar Zombitse and Andasibe Graphium cyrnus Widespread in small numbers Graphium endochus Zombitse and Mantadia Pharmacophagus antenor Isalo, Toliara, and several in Ifaty area. Widespread Papilio erithonioides Zombitse Papilio morondavana Ranomafana Papilio dardanus meriones Zombitse and Ranomafana Papilio oribazus Andasibe and Mantadia Papilio epiphorbas epiphorbas Zombitse Papilio delalandei Andasibe and Ranomafana Papilio mangoura Eastern forests

Pieridae Catopsilia florella thauruma Widespread, seen daily Eurema brigitta pulchella South west and Isalo Eurema desjardinsii desjardinsii Isalo Eurema floricola Andasibe Pinacopteryx eriphia mabillei Several in Ifaty area Colotis amata crowleyi Common in the south west Colotis zoe Common at Ifaty Colotis guenei South west Colotis evanthe Widespread in the first week Colotis lucasi Ifaty Appias sabina confusa Zombitse Belenois grandidieri Zombitse Dixeia charina narena Zombitse Mylothris phileris Scattered records Leptosia nupta viettei Ranomafana Leptosia alcesta sylvicola Zombitse

Nymphalidae Danainae Danaus chrysippus orientis Widespread and locally common

Satyrinae Heteropsis vola Andasibe and Mantadia Heteropsis passandava Andasibe Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 33

Heteropsis cowani Ranomafana Heteropsis ankaratra Isalo and Day 7 Heteropsis narcissus fraterna Isalo Heteropsis subsimilis Andasibe Heteropsis pallida Andasibe Heteropsis undulans Ranomafana? Heteropsis angulifascia Ranomafana Heteropsis spp. Strabena triophthalma Ranomafana Strabena ibitina Ranomafana and Mantadia Strabena smithii Ranomafana Strabena daphne Mantadia Strabena tamatavae Ranomafana Strabena spp. Many other satyrids were seen, several species at most sites, but the lack of useful literature precludes identification of many.

Charaxinae Charaxes andara Day 10

Nymphalinae Vanessa cardui Several on Day 10 Protogoniomorpha anacardii duprei Ranomafana and Mantadia Salamis anteva Andasibe Hypolimnas dexithea 1 at Andasibe Precis andremiaja Andasibe etc. Junonia goudotii Scattered records Junonia hierta paris Zombitse Junonia oenone epiclelia Andasibe etc. Junonia rhadama Widespread in small numbers

Biblidinae Byblia anvatara Zombitse, Isalo, and Andasibe Eurytela dryope lineata Isalo and Andasibe Sevenia sp. Isalo

Limenitinae Neptis kikideli Scattered records Pseudacraea imerina imerina Andasibe Aterica rabena Isalo

Heliconiinae Pardopsis punctatissima Ranomafana Acraea turna Daily in the south west Acraea ranavalona Day 7 Acraea mahela Day 10 Acraea igati Antananarivo Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 34

Acraea dammii Zombitse Acraea encedon Ifaty Acraea serena Isalo Acraea lia Zombitse Acraea zitja Scattered records Acraea obeira obeira Zombitse Phalanta phalantha aethiopica Scattered records

Lycaenidae Hemiolaus ceres Zombitse Hemiolaus cobaltina Zombitse? Hypolycaena philippus ramonza Zombitse Leptomyrina phidias Several in the south west Deudorix antalus Ifaty

Polyommatinae Cupidopsis cissus Isalo Catachrysops scintilla Isalo Uranothauma artemenes Antananarivo Cacyreus darius Isalo Leptotes rabefaner A few records Zizeeria knysna Scattered records Zizina antanossa Day 7 Lepidochrysops turlini A few south of Toliara where a very local endemic Riodininae Saribia sp. Isalo and Ranomafana

Hesperiidae Coeliadinae Coeliades ernesti Zombitse Coeliades rama Day 7 Coeliades ramanatek Zombitse

Pyrginae Celaenorrhinus ambra Ranomafana

Hesperiinae Fulda spp. Zombitse, Isalo Borbo borbonica Antananarivo Borbo gemella Antananarivo

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