Ankarafantsika National Park in north-western Madagascar shelters one of the island’s last large tracts of dry deciduous forest, a habitat under severe threat across the region. Spanning dense dry forests, tree savannahs, and lakes, the park is a refuge for species found nowhere else, including the Malagasy sea eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides), eight lemur species such as Propithecus coquereli and Eulemur mongoz, and more than 120 bird species. Its flora includes over 520 woody plant species, with six endemic to the park.
The area plays a vital role in regulating the water cycle, feeding the rice plains of Marovoay – one of Madagascar’s main rice-producing areas – and supporting surrounding communities as far as Soalala and Besalampy. Ecotourism is another important benefit, as the park’s accessibility and biodiversity draw visitors, providing income opportunities for local residents.
The site holds multiple international conservation designations, including Ramsar wetland status, recognition as a Key Area for Biodiversity, an Alliance for Zero Extinction site, and an Important Bird Area. These reflect its ecological value and the urgency of protecting it.
This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 26 June 2025, shows the park situated between the Betsiboka River to the west and the Mahajamba River to the east. The Sentinel satellites deliver free and open data that help track environmental changes, guiding conservation strategies to safeguard landscapes like Ankarafantsika and the species they support.
Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery
