Kalambatritra Special Reserve
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The Kalambatritra
Special Reserve lies in the
southern part of Madagascar,
about 50
km
northeast from Betroka and comprises a surface of 285 km².
Created in 1959, the
Reserve includes different types of humid forest, which range from dry
deciduous
forests to the 1,600 m high mountainous rainforests, covering the
slopes of the
Kalambatritra massif, which constitutes the most important water
reserve for
the whole region. The location of Kalambatritra between the eastern
tropical
forests, the central highlands and the western grasslands makes its
biodiversity very rich, since species from these different areas are
found
within the Reserve. |
The
reserve boasts a great diversity of fauna. So far 75 birds species have
been
indentified (65% endemic to Madagascar and 15% local endemic to the
region), such
as the Madagascar red owl, pitta-like ground-roller and the Meller's Duck. Six
lemur
species, such as the collared brown lemur, red-fronted brown lemur and
the Gray
bamboo lemur, and 16 rodents are also common residents. Of
course a good
number of reptiles and amphibians live in the reserve too.
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| The Gray bamboo lemur and the
giant coua are two of the resident species of the forest of
Kalambatritra Special Reserve © j_fi |
Regarding
the flora, almost 700 species with a significant rate of endemism grow
in the different forests and altitudes.
The Bara is the
dominant
ethnic group of this region. They conserve their ritual traditions
concerning
funerals and ancestors intact since thousands of years, and have built
several
impressive tombs around the Reserve. Specially rewarding are the ones
at a
village called Andriambe.
The
destruction of forest areas in order to grow rice and to get wood for
fire and
construction is the main threat of the area. Some rivers have their
sources in
the Kalambatritra range, so the conservation of these forests as a
water
reserve are both indispensable for human and wildlife.
The tropical climate
secures a warm temperature
all year round. During the rainy season from October to April heavy
storms are
frequent, and it is not possible to access to the Reserve. The best
time to
come here is from June to September, when it does not rain and it does
not get
so hot.
The access
during the dry
season is tough anyhow. If you are driving from Tana or Tulear, you
must leave
the RN7 at a place called Kelivondraka next
to Ihosy and take the poorer R13 until Betroka.
Once here, drive to Ivahona
along a ground road (20 km). For the last 30 km you need a jeep to
reach the
Reserve, since the last 30 km are on a narrow communal path.
If
you travel independent you can reach Betroka by taxi-brousse from
Ihosy, and try
to hire a bike, a motorbike or a zebu cart there.
There
are no established circuits currently inside the Reserve, but you can
arrange a
local guide at the small Park Office to come with you through this less
known
and isolated forests.
Camping
is permitted (bring your own equipment
and supplies). In Betroka there are some basic accommodations too.
Reserve
Spéciale Kalabatritra
B.P. 35 - 613 Betroka
Phone: + (261 33) 12 83 144
