Andasibe National Park (Périnet)

Andasibe National Park, formerly known as Périnet and also known as Analamazaotra, is a 810-hectare, mid-altitude forested gem which encapsulates myriad species of bizarre and beautiful plants and animals; many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. With much of the canopy stretching up to and exceeding one hundred feet in height, Andasibe ranges from 900 - 1250m in elevation. It neighbours the much larger Mantadia National Park, as well as some small community operated reserves which are well worth a visit.

Wildlife

Andasibe is a world-renowned upland rainforest and is one of most important strongholds for the world's largest species of lemur; the Indri. The presence of the Indri is one of the main reasons for the establishment of these parks and is indeed the main reason they are visited. There are thought to be over 60 Indri social groups within Andasibe and encounters with them are common here. The reserve has an ten other species of lemur, including Red-bellied Lemurs, Brown Lemurs, Lesser Bamboo Lemurs, the Brown Mouse Lemur, Greater Dwarf Lemurs, Eastern Woolly Lemurs, Sportive Lemurs and the truly bizarre Aye Aye. In addition to lemurs, Tenrecs, the Red Forest Rat and the Fossa are all also seen within the reserve. Andasibe offers good opportunities to seek out some of Madagascar's rainforest-dependent bird endemics also and is an especially good location for Red-fronted and Blue-fronted Couas, the Madagascar Blue Pigeon, the Common sunbird-asity and the Coral-billed Nuthatch Vanga. 

There is a good representation of reptiles and amphibians within these forests; with the colossal, 2-foot long Parson's chameleon and the tiny nose-horned chameleon being just two extreme examples of the chameleons found there. Many species of geckos, skinks and snakes may also be seen by day. Most reptiles and frogs are seen during night walks however, when the forest comes alive with the sound of croaking and chirping frogs: with it being claimed that Andasibe has the world record for number of frog species among rainforests of a comparable size. Madagascar's most striking frog, the Golden Mantella, used to be found here, but is likely to be extinct here now. Large numbers of these frogs still survive in an area Aqua-Firma helped to protect further south (Lemurs, Golden Frogs & New Rainforest Reserve).

For those wishing to see the famed orchids of Madagascar, these forests are a luxuriant hot house, creating the ideal conditions for a whole host of both orchids and numerous other species of plants and trees. The orchids here typically flower between October - November, which is just before the wet season.

Night walks can offer memorable encounters with several nocturnal species of lemur; birds such as the Madagascan Long-eared Owl and the Collared Nightjar, as well as a noisy cacophony of frogs and geckos. Night walks yield the best results in between spring and Autumn months (September to May), when the nocturnal lemurs of the area are more active.  

Best Time to Visit Andasibe

Andasibe is a rainforest ecosystem and receives an average annual rainfall exceeding 1700mm (falling on over 210 days per year). Wildlife viewing is god year round, but most comfortable outside of the rainy season which runs from about mid-November to March. The mean annual temperature is 18°C. Temperatures may become quite cool, especially in the evening and early mornings.

Being within the dense rainforest at Andasibe, when the still air is suddenly broken by the long mournful song of the indri, is a stirring experience. As their sorrowful call reaches through the forest, you are able to follow the sound to the find the world's largest lemur, sitting amongst the branches, peering down at you. With giant chameleons, bizarre insects and countless colourful orchids, Andasibe is a true wildlife haven.

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