Andrefana Dry Forests
Country
Madagascar
Inscribed in
1990
Criteria
(vii)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve comprises karstic landscapes and limestone uplands cut into impressive 'tsingy' peaks and a 'forest' of limestone needles, the spectacular canyon of the Manambolo river, rolling hills and high peaks. The undisturbed forests, lakes and mangrove swamps are the habitat for rare and endangered lemurs and birds. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Low Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Rich endemic flora
Criterion
(x)
Including the recently inscribed extension, the property includes almost one thousand endemic species and sub-species of plants (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). The serial property contains a spectacular array of endemic and threatened flora, including the six endemic species of baobabs (Adansonia spp.), members of the Didieraceae succulent plant family, flame trees (Delonix) (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). The vegetation of the Bemaraha Plateau is dominated by western dry forest (Moat & Smith, 2007), one of the most threatened biomes in Madagascar (Ganzhorn et al., 2001). The flora of the dry forest is typically tropophilous, characterised by the genera Dalbergia, Commiphora and Hildegardia; xerophytic scrub made up of succulents grows on exposed rocks, and the more mesic conditions in canyons support a dense subhumid forest (ANGAP, 2003; Rasoloarison & Paquier, 2003). At least 583 plant species representing 102 families have been recorded (Rabarison, 2000; Schatz, 2001). Although endemism data are not available for the property, nationally 84% of vascular plants are endemic (Callmander et al., 2011). Threatened species include Khaya madagascariensis (EN), Phylloxylon perrieri (EN), Dalbergia humbertii (EN) and D. baronii (VU) (ANGAP, 2003).
Rare and endemic birds
Criterion
(x)
The avifauna of the property is rich, with at least 94 recorded species (Rasoloarison & Paquier, 2003; Raherilalao & Wilmé, 2008). These include members of the endemic family Bernieridae, the near endemic families Vangidae and Leptosomatidae, and the endemic subfamilies Couinae and Philepittinae. Even more notable is the ancient order Mesitornithiformes endemic to the island with two Vulnerable (VU) species encountered in the Dry Forest of Andrefana—Mesitornis variegatus and Monias benschi, the later with Uratelornis chimaera—VU—in the endemic family of the Brachypteraciidae being two micro-endemic birds of Mikea, named after a centre of endemism and a cultural group (Wilmé et al. 2012; IUCN, 2023). Other threatened endemic species include Anas bernieri (EN), Tachybaptus pelzelnii (EN), Charadrius thoracicus (VU), Ardea humbloti (EN), Haliaeetus vociferoides (CR), Circus macrosceles (EN), Xanthomixis apperti (VU), Calicalicus rufocarpalis (VU), and Xenopirostris damii (EN).
Rare and endemic reptiles and amphibians
Criterion
(x)
The Bemaraha Plateau displays extraordinary rates of local endemism amongst its reptiles and amphibians, and represents an important centre of endemism for these groups (Glaw et al., 2009). With the addition of new components in 2023, the property now includes 159 endemic reptiles and 28 endemic amphibians. Only in the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park 61 endemic reptile species have been recorded (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). The 15 endemic species of amphibian recorded represent the highest species richness of any site in the dry regions of Madagascar, and eight of these species appear to be endemic to the Bemaraha Plateau (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). In the Andrefana Dry Forests threatened species of Amphibia include Tsingymantis antitra (EN), Mantella viridis (EN), Gephyromantis atsingy (EN), Boophis brachychir (VU), Plethodontohyla fonetana (EN), Anilany helenae (CR), and Stumpffia analamaina (CR). Threatened species of Reptilia include critically endangered Astrochelys radiata, Pyxis arachnoides, and Erymnochelys madagascariensis, and many other endangered and vulnerable species.
Rare and endemic mammals
Criterion
(x)
A total of 76 endemic species of mammal have been recorded within the property. Thirty-one species of lemur occur, these include critically endangered species such as Mongoose lemur (Eulemur mongoz), and Perrier's sifaka (Propithecus perrieri), and many other endangered and vulnerable species (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
The 16 species of small mammal that occur in the Dry Forests of Andrefana include Microgale jenkinsae (EN), the rodents Macrotarsomys ingens (EN) and and lowland red forest rat (Nesomys lambertoni, EN). Six endemic species of carnivore in the endemic family Eupleridae are encountered in these forests, as well as 22 species of bat (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
The 16 species of small mammal that occur in the Dry Forests of Andrefana include Microgale jenkinsae (EN), the rodents Macrotarsomys ingens (EN) and and lowland red forest rat (Nesomys lambertoni, EN). Six endemic species of carnivore in the endemic family Eupleridae are encountered in these forests, as well as 22 species of bat (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
Unique and spectacular geomorphological features
Criterion
(vii)
The 250 km long Bemaraha Plateau, composed of mid-Jurassic (approximately 200 mya) limestone of marine origin (Du Puy and Moat 1996), is heavily eroded into a karst landscape characterized by networks of deep crevasses, underground rivers and caves, separated by spectacular pinnacles of limestone, up to 100 m high, forming a “forest of sharp stones” (World Heritage Committee, 2012). It forms a unique, spectacular landscape of outstanding beauty (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Centers of endemism resulting from paleoclimatic oscillations over millions of years
Criterion
(ix)
The palaeoclimatic oscillations of the last few million years have had a profound effect on the landscapes and the evolution of the fauna and flora of Madagascar (State Party of Madagascar, 2020; World Heritage Committee, 2023). The Andrefana Dry Forests are a complex product of this process. They have retreated during dry periods; they have expanded during wet periods but with variations deeply linked to the relief with its hydrological network. The centres of endemism that are home to many endemic species and higher taxa are the “interfluves” of the great rivers that have their sources on the highest peaks of Madagascar. The centres of endemism on the western slopes were refugia that captured parts of the hydrological system, allowing animal and plant populations to survive in isolation during dry periods. The resulting interfluvial centres of endemism are very marked and unique, each with its own, often higher-level (genus or higher) taxonomic representatives (Wilmé et al., 2006, 2012). The Andrefana Dry Forests components are distributed over all but one of the western endemic centres.
Cultural and spiritual connection to the land
The protected areas are viewed as sacred zones, known locally as ‘ala faly,’ by local communities underscoring their cultural and spiritual connection to the land. For example, The Tsingy of Bemaraha are believed to be the tomb sites of the aborigines’ ancestors, the ‘vazimba’ and the final resting place of the souls of the ancestors. The Mikea people lead a nomadic, subsistence lifestyle that is intricately tied to the preservation of a healthy forest ecosystem and their profound spiritual connection to the land.
Assessment information
The Andrefana Dry Forests form a serial property including the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1990 and extended in 2023 to include the two Special Reserves of Ankarana and Analamerana and the three National Parks of Ankarafantsika, Mikea and Tsimanampesotse. Local and migrant communities encroach on the property and exert pressures including widespread slash-and-burn agriculture, burning to renew pasture, agricultural intensification, charcoal production, bushmeat hunting and the illegal wildlife trade and illegal logging and in the past illegal mining. Fire is considered the major threat to the property. Local need for timber, pasture and agricultural fires are a significant and growing threat to the integrity of the site. This impact results in the loss of habitat (including both forest and wetland) and the loss of the species that inhabit these habitats and hence the ecological integrity of the site is progressively being eroded. Notwithstanding these impacts, the loss of ecosystem services is also a growing concern. Deforestation and forest degradation have increased substantially in some of the component parts due to fire, the conversion of forests into agricultural land, illegal charcoal production, and the illegal extraction of precious wood.
Fire & Fire Management
(Fire clearance for livestock grazing and farming)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Fire is considered the major threat to Andrefana dry forests (IUCN, 2023; State Party of Madagascar, 2020). In the majority of the site’s components fires are set annually before the rainy season to renew pastures for cattle create trails for people (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). Pasture fires may be impossible to eradicate given the cultural importance of cattle. Fires has been identified as a threat to reptiles occurring in and around the site, for example the nocturnal gecko of the Paroedura genus (Köhler et al., 2019), dwarf chameleons (Brookesia spp.) (Randrianantoandro et al., 2008). This threat is affected through either a direct impact or indirectly through a change in habitat. Fires and associated grazing also threaten the site's flora as was recorded by Rakotoarisoa and Grace (2017). In the Mikea Park an upsurge in slash-and-burn farming has rapidly altered the Mikea forest, with a significant increase in deforestation from 3.1% to 10.9% between 1996-2006 and 2006-2016, combined with the threat of selective logging (see below) (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). The impacts of fires can be further accentuated by storms such as the cyclone Haruna in 2013, which caused significant damage to the forest, with many trees falling, fuelling and intensifying the fires of the following dry season. Efforts on the ground are ongoing to improve fire management strategies (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). E.g in the Mikea park, staff have deployed local participatory fire-fighting expertise. While more than 16,000 hectares of forest burnt in 2017, the area burnt in 2018 was only 300 hectares. Forest restoration activities are being implemented in the park to restore the forest's resilience following the disturbance in 2013 (State Party of Madagascar, 2020), however despite these efforts, deforestation and forest degradation have been ongoing in Madagascar protected areas with varying deforestation rates according to the protection category of the area (Andrianambinina et al., 2025).
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Invasive plants)
Invasive/problematic species
Lantana camara
Ziziphus mauritiana
Opuntia stricta
Other invasive species names
Hyptis suaveolens
Outside site
The appearance of allochthonous and potentially invasive species has been observed in certain sites component parts, particularly in degraded areas (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) and Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae) have been found in the Analamerana NP and in Ankarana NP in burnt or degraded areas (IUCN consultation, 2025; State Party of Madagascar, 2020). Effects are still localized but may pose a growing risk. In the Ankarana NP, the species, favoured by fires, have been found to negatively affect native plants. In the Tsingy de Bemaraha, the appearance of Ziziphus mauritiana (Rhamnaceae) in the park's open habitats is a source of competition at forest edges. Opuntia stricta (Cactaceae) is used to feed goats in open areas; increasing incursions of this allochthonous cactus have been observed in the open areas of Tsimanampesotse Park (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals, Gathering, Harvesting & Controlling Terrestrial Plants & Fungi
(Commercial reptile and amphibian collection)
Other targeted species names
Uroplatus henkeli, Brookesia perarmata, Geochelone radiata, Crocodylus niloticus, Euphorbia viguieri, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, Adenia firingalavensis, Cyphostemma laza,Cissus rhodotricha,Pachypodium lamerei,P. rutenbergianum, Hildegardia erythrosiphon
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Illegal reptile collection continues in Bemaraha and Tsimanampesotse despite CITES listings (IUCN consultation, 2025).
In the past, the gecko Uroplatus henkeli and, in particular, the highly sought-after dwarf chameleon Brookesia perarmata were both formerly collected illegally from within the Tsingy de Bamaraha National Park (Ramilison & Rabibisoa, 1998, Rasoloarison & Paquier, 2003). Trade in the latter declined following its listing in Appendix I of CITES in 2002 (Carpenter & Robson, 2005), more recent data has not been identified. Some individual Crocodylus niloticus had been hunted and collected in Bemaraha such as Manambolo, Mijamoa, Beboka and Miharàna rivers (IUCN Consultation, 2020). In the Tsimanampesotse Park the tortoise Geochelone radiata was affected by poaching for local consumption, and above all for illegal trafficking (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
Some plant species in CITES List predominantly illicit trade such as Euphorbia viguieri, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, Adenia firingalavensis, Cyphostemma laza, Cissus rhodotricha, Pachypodium lamerei, Pachypodium rutenbergianum, Hildegardia erythrosiphon, Delonix spp. had been collected (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
In the past, the gecko Uroplatus henkeli and, in particular, the highly sought-after dwarf chameleon Brookesia perarmata were both formerly collected illegally from within the Tsingy de Bamaraha National Park (Ramilison & Rabibisoa, 1998, Rasoloarison & Paquier, 2003). Trade in the latter declined following its listing in Appendix I of CITES in 2002 (Carpenter & Robson, 2005), more recent data has not been identified. Some individual Crocodylus niloticus had been hunted and collected in Bemaraha such as Manambolo, Mijamoa, Beboka and Miharàna rivers (IUCN Consultation, 2020). In the Tsimanampesotse Park the tortoise Geochelone radiata was affected by poaching for local consumption, and above all for illegal trafficking (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
Some plant species in CITES List predominantly illicit trade such as Euphorbia viguieri, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, Adenia firingalavensis, Cyphostemma laza, Cissus rhodotricha, Pachypodium lamerei, Pachypodium rutenbergianum, Hildegardia erythrosiphon, Delonix spp. had been collected (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Identity/social cohesion/ changes in local population and community that result in negative impact
(Social changes)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
In-migration undermines local conservation alliances such as in Ankarafantsika (Andrianambinina et al. 2025). In the Ankarafantsika NP, the continued arrival of migrants in search of new land led to a break in the social organisation of natural resource management, with a resurgence of land clearing by the surrounding communities (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). Poverty and limited benefits arising from the Parks to neighbouring communities may become an increasing concern, however the threat to the OUV remains data deficient.
Recreational Activities
(Tourism impacts)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Tourism impacts remain spatially limited due to inaccessibility (IUCN consultation, 2025). Core areas in each protected area are not open to visitors. There are few bats in caves visited by tourists, though it is not clear whether this relationship is causal (Kofoky et al., 2007). Some infrastructure (e.g. bridges) can detract from the wilderness aesthetic of the site (pers. obs.). Reviews and extensions of service areas need to be developed to mitigate the potential risks of wildlife habituation in existing service areas (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
Roads, Trails & Railroads
(Established road)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
It is well documented that in general, existing and new roads increase the risk of poaching, collection of wildlife, habitat transformation people (etc) by increasing the ease of access to the site (Pinto et al., 2020). Roads also pose a direct threat to wildlife by way of road kills (e.g. Alamgir, 2017). Historic examples include a seismographic trail through the Tsingy in 1984, facilitating access into previously inaccessible areas (IUCN, 1990, Rasoloarison & Paquier, 2003), and thus contributing to other threats.
Residential Areas
(Village establishment)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Several villages have been illegally established in the eastern portion of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park with areas of rice paddies (IUCN, 1990; Rasoloarison & Paquier, 2003; Thorsell & Sigaty, 2001). Threat is highly localised and no recent data exist. It is however recognised that the encroachment of people onto and into the site markedly increases the the pressures for natural resource use and infrastructure (IUCN consultation, 2025; see for example Mildenstein et al., 2016; and Merson et al., 2019).
Gathering, Harvesting & Controlling Terrestrial Plants & Fungi
(Collection of non-Timber Forest Products)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
There is collection pressure for honey and tubers from adjacent communities (State Party of Madagascar, 2020), but this pressure is localised. See subsistence hunting below
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals
(Subsistence hunting)
Other targeted species names
Eulemur rufus; Cheirogaleus medius; Lepilemur randrianasoloi; Erymnochelys madagascariensis; Testudinidae; Dioscorea oviala; Dioscorea soso; Aponogeton fenestralis
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Traditional hunting persists near villages, but data are lacking (IUCN consultation, 2025; State Party of Madagascar, 2020). Poaching pressure inside sites is observed, though not quantified (IUCN consultation, 2025). In the absence of monitoring data, this threat may be greater than the previously documented 'low'. A cautious and risk averse approach is advised and hence a 'moderate risk' should be assumed.
Annual & Perennial Non-Timber Crops
(Agricultural encroachment)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Forest clearing for rice and other crops is ongoing (IUCN consultation, 2025). High deforestation has been documented in Ankarafantsika (0.8% to 11% rise from 1996–2016). Pressures increase from fire, illegal charcoal, and shifting cultivation.
Forest clearing located in areas of low wetland for agriculture is a significant ecological challenge affecting both the loss of the individuals of the different species concerned and the related ecosystem services (State Party of Madagascar, 2020; IUCN consultation 2025). The drainage of lakes and marshes for rice cultivation in peripheral and contiguous areas of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park influences water flow, and the need for arable land may increase pressure for water. The Analamerana reserve has been under pressure from past land clearing, but has recently stabilised since the 2010s. The Ankarafantsika park is directly affected by fires for grazing and clearing, which have been particularly significant in recent years. The protected area is one of the elements of the serial property where deforestation has increased alarmingly, rising from 0.8% to 11% between 1996-2006 and 2006-2016 (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
According to a different source (Peters et al., 2024) deforestation and forest degradation between 2000-2023 have increased substantially in the national parks Ankarafantsika in Boeny and Montagne d’Ambre, Analamerana, and Ankarana in DIANA. Key drivers also include fire, illegal charcoal production, conversion into agricultural land, as well as illegal extraction of valuable timber. According to Peters et al. (2024), between 2000 and 2022, over 2 000 km² of the year 2000 forest cover has been lost in DIANA, and over 1 000 km² in Boeny. Additionally, by 2022, over 4 400 km² of forest areas were potentially degraded at least once in DIANA, and over 3 200 km² in Boeny.
Forest clearing located in areas of low wetland for agriculture is a significant ecological challenge affecting both the loss of the individuals of the different species concerned and the related ecosystem services (State Party of Madagascar, 2020; IUCN consultation 2025). The drainage of lakes and marshes for rice cultivation in peripheral and contiguous areas of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park influences water flow, and the need for arable land may increase pressure for water. The Analamerana reserve has been under pressure from past land clearing, but has recently stabilised since the 2010s. The Ankarafantsika park is directly affected by fires for grazing and clearing, which have been particularly significant in recent years. The protected area is one of the elements of the serial property where deforestation has increased alarmingly, rising from 0.8% to 11% between 1996-2006 and 2006-2016 (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
According to a different source (Peters et al., 2024) deforestation and forest degradation between 2000-2023 have increased substantially in the national parks Ankarafantsika in Boeny and Montagne d’Ambre, Analamerana, and Ankarana in DIANA. Key drivers also include fire, illegal charcoal production, conversion into agricultural land, as well as illegal extraction of valuable timber. According to Peters et al. (2024), between 2000 and 2022, over 2 000 km² of the year 2000 forest cover has been lost in DIANA, and over 1 000 km² in Boeny. Additionally, by 2022, over 4 400 km² of forest areas were potentially degraded at least once in DIANA, and over 3 200 km² in Boeny.
Logging, Harvesting & Controlling Trees
(Selective logging of native tree species)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
The demand for timber for construction and fuel is accelerating with the growing population both inside and outside of the sites (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). This demand is expected to further increase exacerbating the energy wood deficit, which will almost be twice as high in 2030 than in 2015 in DIANA, and almost three times as high in Boeny, if no additional reforestation actions are taken (Peters et al. 2024).
In the Mikea Park wood is collected mainly for making sacred wooden coffins, at a number of sacred places (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
In the Mikea Park wood is collected mainly for making sacred wooden coffins, at a number of sacred places (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
Changes in Physical & Chemical Regimes, Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Increase in extreme weather events due to climate change)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Another threat to Madagascar's biodiversity, which is still poorly assessed due to a lack of reliable data, is linked to extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and cyclones, which have direct and, above all, indirect impacts that can be devastating for ecosystems and their biodiversity (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). Tropical cyclones regularly hit Madagascar during the austral summer from January to May, affecting communities in particular, who will then have no alternative but to make direct use of natural resources. Southern Madagascar is already suffering from prolonged drought linked to climate change, with severe impacts on both wildlife and local communities (Rigden et al., 2024).
Although natural gas exists under the property, the combined National Park and World Heritage statuses will probably prevent its extraction at least in the short term. A change in the political policy and/or an increased need for gas fuel may render this Site vulnerable to mining—as has been seen elsewhere. The impacts of climate change remain unknown, but significant negative impacts are expected due to changes in rainfall and temperature. The possible consequence on the site as a climate refugium remains to be seen.
Oil & Gas exploration/development
(Oil and gas)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
There are natural gas deposits in all sediment basins of western Madagascar, i.e., all protected areas in the Andrefana Dry Forests. However, their status as a protected area ensures a robust level of protection (IUCN consultation, 2025).
Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Changes to rainfall patterns and temperatures )
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
Past studies showed that median rainfall projections from forecasts for 2055 expecting an increase in rainfall in the western part of the island (Tadross et al., 2008). Dynamic global vegetation model projections indicate that Madagascar will lose 11-27% of its current habitat as a result of climate change if range migrations are possible-perfect dispersal-and 17-50% if they are not-no dispersal (Malcolm et al., 2006). In addition, studies on several species endemic to Madagascar have shown that at least half of the species will be affected by an expansion or contraction of their potential habitat (Hannah et al., 2008).
In the south-west, where temperature changes are also predicted, in the specific case of Tsimanampesotse and Mikea, many species are expected to expand their range by 2080, requiring the maintenance of maximum connectivity between areas of suitable habitat (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). This implies the crucial role of maintaining other habitats around the serial property.
In addition, changes in the date of the first rainfall (Tadross et al., 2008) will have a huge impact on the surrounding communities, which live mainly from agriculture and which could fall back on the natural resources of the protected areas. Adaptation measures in peripheral areas are therefore crucial in current scenarios of change.
The impacts of climate change on temperature and the distribution and intensity of precipitation require further study to develop adaptation measures in peripheral areas, crucial in current scenarios of climate change.
In the south-west, where temperature changes are also predicted, in the specific case of Tsimanampesotse and Mikea, many species are expected to expand their range by 2080, requiring the maintenance of maximum connectivity between areas of suitable habitat (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). This implies the crucial role of maintaining other habitats around the serial property.
In addition, changes in the date of the first rainfall (Tadross et al., 2008) will have a huge impact on the surrounding communities, which live mainly from agriculture and which could fall back on the natural resources of the protected areas. Adaptation measures in peripheral areas are therefore crucial in current scenarios of change.
The impacts of climate change on temperature and the distribution and intensity of precipitation require further study to develop adaptation measures in peripheral areas, crucial in current scenarios of climate change.
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
The local population is generally supportive of the site owing to the revenues generated through tourism with related economic opportunities. Local people are involved in management of the site, including surveillance, and there is a general sense of pride in it being a World Heritage site (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). The nomination process of the extension of the property to include the two Special Reserves of Ankarana and Analamerana and the three National Parks of Ankarafantsika, Mikea and Tsimanampesotse was unanimously supported during the consultation process (State Party of Madagascar, 2020; IUCN, 2023). Madagascar is working towards a highly integrated sustainable development management approach with communities, and these mechanisms are often further integrated with regional sustainable development initiatives and projects. Access to natural resources in the buffer zone, sharing in protected area revenues and benefits from tourism are all of vital importance to local communities. Local community-based committees assist with buffer zone management and provide input into park management and these mechanisms seem to be functioning effectively and in close partnership with Madagascar National Park (MNP). Some concerns were noted from the field visits to the effect that youth and women were underrepresented in community management structures, something which would be important to address and strengthen as soon as practicable to ensure fully effective and representative management structures (IUCN, 2023).
Legal framework
The property was initially composed of two protected areas, Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve (IUCN category Ia) in the north, and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park (IUCN category II) in the south (UNEP-WCMC, 2011), which were later grouped as a single National Park. In 2023, the addition of five protected areas included the National Parks of Ankarafantsika, Mikea and Tsimanampesotse (IUCN Category II), and the Special Reserves of Analamerana and Ankarana (IUCN Category IV). All are governed by national protected areas legislation (Loi n° 2015-005; Decree 2017-415) which forbids extractive resource use within both categories. However, Madagascar National Parks does not have authoritative power to apply the law and relies on state security services.
Governance arrangements
National parks are fully owned by the Government of Madagascar, and managed by Madagascar National Parks, a private foundation recognized as acting in the public interest and operating under the supervision of Madagascar’s Ministry for Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD). There is an increasing shift to a shared governance system in partnership with local communities (IUCN, 2023). This is achieved via two mechanisms: (1) Park Support and Orientation Committees (COSAPs), which represent local communities as well as broader stakeholder groups (civil society, municipal, private sector etc.) and provide funding for sustainable development activities, and (2) Local Park Committees (CLPs), which are formed for each local community, and which assist with surveillance and monitoring, and also participate in the process of prioritizing COSAP funding interventions. Governance mechanisms in the buffer zone are strongly focused on sustainable development approaches with buffer zone management involving a range of community structures and organizations (IUCN, 2023). Protected area staff also enter into traditional agreements (Dinabe) with local communities to govern activities in the park and to provide penalties for infractions. Some concerns were noted from the field visits to the effect that youth and women were underrepresented in community management structures, something which would be important to address and strengthen as soon as practicable to ensure fully effective and representative management structures (IUCN, 2023).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
The extension of the World Heritage property in 2023 to include five additional components allowed to cover on a number of geographically distinct, non-contiguous centres of endemism found in dry forests in western Madagascar which evolved in isolation in areas between major river systems (Wilmé et al. 2006, 2012; IUCN, 2023). Each of the protected areas of the serial property of the Dry Forests of Andrefana has a five-year management plan. All are integrated into a system-wide strategic management plan for Madagascar’s national protected areas system (PlanGRAP 2014-2024). Madagascar is clearly working towards a highly integrated sustainable development management approach with communities, and these mechanisms are often further integrated with regional sustainable development initiatives and projects. Overall, there is a high degree of integration built into management planning in Malagasy protected areas (IUCN, 2023). However, there does not appear to be a separate document specifically addressing coordinated management of the six component parts. The current arrangements appear nonetheless sufficient in the near term, particularly as Outstanding Universal Value is explicitly addressed in MNP planning (IUCN, 2023).
Boundaries
The boundaries of the property are congruent with the boundaries of existing protected areas which is appropriate in all cases, and are clearly delineated. Each of the component parts is of sufficient size to ensure an adequate representation of biodiversity values under both biodiversity criteria and their long-term integrity. The extensive buffer zones provide protection and opportunities for co-management and positive engagement with local communities. However, the buffer zones are not managed for protection with some exception, such as IUCN cat. V PA Andrafiamena-Andavakoera connecting Ankarana & Analamerana (IUCN consultation, 2025).
The future addition of suitable component parts of the Menabe-Antimena center of endemism has been recommended, once the State Party is in a position to strengthen protection and management of that protected area to the same level as the component parts in the already designated serial components (IUCN, 2023).
The future addition of suitable component parts of the Menabe-Antimena center of endemism has been recommended, once the State Party is in a position to strengthen protection and management of that protected area to the same level as the component parts in the already designated serial components (IUCN, 2023).
Overlapping international designations
Tsimanampesotse National Park is also a Ramsar site and one of the three core areas of the Tsimanampesotse-Nosy Ve Androka Biosphere Reserve. No information on the type of cooperation and collaboration between designation has been found.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
The property has not been examined by the Committee since 1992 apart from in 2023 for the nomination of the extension of the property. The Committee commended the thorough nomination dossier and extensive work in integrating local communities into protected area management, and suggested a few recommendations related to women and youth engagement and the development of a standalone integrated management plan, yet to be addressed (World Heritage Committee, 2023).
Climate action
While the threat of climate change has been recognized (State Party of Madagascar, 2020), its impact on the property’s OUV remains unknown. According to the State Party, the current ecological monitoring system ensures short-term monitoring of major impacts and enables the tracking of long-term trends in potential climate change disturbances (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). However, there is a need to systematically monitor climate change and develop adaptive climate mitigation measures within the inscribed PAs, and in Madagascar in general (IUCN consultation, 2025; Rigden et al., 2025).
Management plan and overall management system
All of the component parts have five-year management plans, which focus on four objectives: (1) conservation, (2) community level sustainable development, (3) permanent funding for conservation and local community sustainable development and (4) effective management. These are integrated into a system-wide strategic management plan for Madagascar’s national protected areas system (“Plan Stratégique de Gestion du réseau d’Aires protégées” or PlanGRAP 2014-2024) (State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
IUCN technical evaluation of the serial extension of the World Heritage property recommended the State Party to consider the development of a standalone integrated management plan for the extended property to support more integrated, harmonized and effective management (IUCN, 2023). However, the strategy to develop a standalone management approach for the World Heritage-listed components has been questioned, particularly given that MNP, managing a national network of protected areas, already tailors its management strategies to address the diverse geographic, cultural, and political contexts across the country (IUCN consultation, 2025).
IUCN technical evaluation of the serial extension of the World Heritage property recommended the State Party to consider the development of a standalone integrated management plan for the extended property to support more integrated, harmonized and effective management (IUCN, 2023). However, the strategy to develop a standalone management approach for the World Heritage-listed components has been questioned, particularly given that MNP, managing a national network of protected areas, already tailors its management strategies to address the diverse geographic, cultural, and political contexts across the country (IUCN consultation, 2025).
Law enforcement
Enforcement is mostly effective. Protected area staff also enter into traditional agreements (Dinabe) with local communities to govern activities in the park and to provide penalties for infractions.
Sustainable finance
Budgets seem to have remained stable or increased for most of the component parts between 2016 and 2018 (State Party of Madagascar, 2020; IUCN, 2023). The Fondation pour les Aires Protégées et la Biodiversité de Madagascar has been created to ensure sustainable financing of the protected area system and has recently received a grant of USD 50m (IUCN, 2023). However, IUCN noted a sharp drop in the budget of Mikea National Park. In addition, the budget figures provided in the nomination dossier (State Party of Madagascar, 2020) do not include the years of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which visitation has dropped significantly. Nonetheless, even in combination with additional income streams, entrance ticket sales have never generated enough revenue to cover the cost of the management of the PA network (Andrianambinina et al., 2023). MNP still heavily relies on external donors, in particular the German state-owned investment and development bank KfW and by FAPBM, both of which have been instrumental in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis (Andrianambinina et al., 2023).
Staff capacity, training and development
In 2023, staffing for the additional components totals 162 and is supplemented by buffer zone management structures with local communities (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). However, the total size of the nominated property is relatively large (734,298 ha in the nominated property, with an additional 838,035 ha in the buffer) and that many of the component parts are remote, with limited vehicular access (IUCN, 2023). Ongoing monitoring of staffing levels is important to ensure they remain adequate (Andrianambinina et al. 2025).
Education and interpretation programmes
In Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, following awareness-raising programmes and environmental education for several years, local residents are aware of the importance of the property at a national and international level in terms of its diverse fauna, flora and karst landscape including its ecosystem services. Local communities of the extended property were fully supportive of the extension to include five additional components to the property. No information has been identified regarding education and interpretation programmes in the other five components.
Tourism and visitation management
The ecotourism potential of the serial property of six protected areas is important and is largely under-exploited at present (State Party of Madagascar, 2020). Four out of six components are considered suitable for ecoutourism (Analamerana Special Reserve potential, Mikea N/A; Andrianambinina et al., 2023a). Figures vary greatly for each park, with annual averages of 19, 10649, 4325, 11077, 23 and 1272 respectively for Analamerana, Ankarana, Ankarafantsika, Bemaraha, Mikea and Tsimanampesotse between 2012 and 2016. The service areas are still very small. All facilities strictly comply with the specifications imposed by the manager in order to minimise potential impacts, and standards for ecotourism infrastructure have been developed for sites managed by Madagascar National Parks (MNP) to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors.
Sustainable use
National legislation governing the protected area forbids all extractive use of natural resources, but a local-use exemption could be granted under existing legislation. All current resource use is illicit, and any potential for sustainable use by local communities in the core areas is currently unrealised except for the Mikea Indigenous Peoples in Mikea National Park National whose rights to live in the forest and continue traditional hunting and gathering practices are recognized (IUCN, 2023; State Party of Madagascar, 2020).
Monitoring
The PlanGRAP presents a extensive and standardized monitoring systems, with annual reviews of protected area management assessing threats and achievement of the MNP PlanGRAP strategic objectives (IUCN, 2023). The standardized monitoring software in use gathers indicators for Outstanding Universal Value for each component part in a serial site, namely the threat level, the annual area of forest cover loss, and the Management Effectiveness Index (IEG/METT).
The yearly assessment makes use of tools including MIRADI-developed by the Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP)-and IEG (Indice d'Efficacité de Gestion), which will evolve further towards the SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) and METT (Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool) tools following the development of country-specific interfaces by the Ministère de l'Environnement et du Développement Durable-MEDD (State Party of Madagascar, 2023). Adequate funding and stuff capacity are required to ensure that the monitorning is undertaken regularly.
The yearly assessment makes use of tools including MIRADI-developed by the Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP)-and IEG (Indice d'Efficacité de Gestion), which will evolve further towards the SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) and METT (Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool) tools following the development of country-specific interfaces by the Ministère de l'Environnement et du Développement Durable-MEDD (State Party of Madagascar, 2023). Adequate funding and stuff capacity are required to ensure that the monitorning is undertaken regularly.
Research
Research undertaken within the property has included speleology, palaeontology, ecology, primatology, biology, molecular biology, an inventory of karstic systems, flora and fauna, socio-economic contexts, geographical information systems, anthropology, as well as the description of several new species (e.g. Glaw et al., 2007, 2009; Köhler et al., 2007; Bora et al., 2010; Goodman et al., 2011), such as a new species of nocturnal gecko (Köhler et al., 2019), and an aloe (Rakotoarisoa & Grace, 2017). Furthermore, research outside but applicable to the Site, has focussed on a number of treats to biodiversity, for example: Alamgir et al. (2017) and Pinto et al. (2020) - impacts of road development, Rizzolo et al. (2017) - wildlife poaching, and Jones et al. (2019) - threats to biodiversity. There is limited funding available for research (IUCN consultation, 2025), which is compounded by the absence of dedicated and sustained research facilities.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
The current arrangements appear sufficient in the near term, particularly as Outstanding Universal Value is explicitly addressed in MNP planning. However, a separate integrated management plan for what would become a large, geographically spread serial site would benefit more integrated, harmonized and effective management of the whole property, also considering that many threat originate from outside the property (such as encroachment, fire management and globally climate change)
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
The management effectiveness in addressing threats within Madagascar's protected areas appears to be well-structured and proactive. The PlanGRAP (2014–2024) strategic plan ensures a cohesive approach across the entire national protected area network. This strategic plan emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Outstanding Universal Value of each site, which is crucial for long-term conservation.
The monitoring system is robust, with standardized processes in place to track progress and identify emerging threats. The annual reviews allow for regular assessment of the effectiveness of management actions and how well the strategic objectives are being met. Furthermore, the use of standardized monitoring software to gather indicators related to Outstanding Universal Value suggests that the management is data-driven and responsive to potential issues.
Overall, the management framework appears mostly effective in addressing threats, with clear goals, continuous evaluation, and a focus on maintaining the sites' ecological and cultural integrity. However, the effectiveness of these efforts will ultimately depend on the availability of sufficient funding.
The monitoring system is robust, with standardized processes in place to track progress and identify emerging threats. The annual reviews allow for regular assessment of the effectiveness of management actions and how well the strategic objectives are being met. Furthermore, the use of standardized monitoring software to gather indicators related to Outstanding Universal Value suggests that the management is data-driven and responsive to potential issues.
Overall, the management framework appears mostly effective in addressing threats, with clear goals, continuous evaluation, and a focus on maintaining the sites' ecological and cultural integrity. However, the effectiveness of these efforts will ultimately depend on the availability of sufficient funding.
The Andrefana Dry Forests form a serial property including the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1990 and extended in 2023 to include the two Special Reserves of Ankarana and Analamerana and the three National Parks of Ankarafantsika, Mikea and Tsimanampesotse. All components are legally protected and enjoy the support of local communities and regional authorities. An appropriate management system exists, as well as an adequate monitoring system to evaluate conservation and management outcomes of the property. Focussed efforts towards research would further enable informed management of the site's OUV. Appropriate and sustainable funding is necessary to implement the single components' management plans, however the reliance on tourism revenue is of concern. Additionally, an integrated management plan should be developed to enhance the coordination across the component parts.
Good practice examples
Madagascar is a global leader in integrating communities into protected area management and all of the component parts have been in existence for many years so there does not appear to be any friction with local communities regarding the nomination. The nomination process of the extension of the property to include the two Special Reserves of Ankarana and Analamerana and the three National Parks of Ankarafantsika, Mikea and Tsimanampesotse was strongly supported (near unanimous support) during the consultation process (State Party of Madagascar, 2023; IUCN, 2023).
Rich endemic flora
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
The combination of many threats including widespread slash and burn agriculture, burning to renew pasture, agricultural intensification, charcoal production and illegal logging led to high rates of deforestation – over 15% in several component parts (IUCN, 2023; State Party of Madagascar, 2020). Andrianambinina et al. (2025) assessed deforestation patterns inside and within a 5 km buffer zone around terrestrial PAs from 2015 to 2023, showing varying levels of deforestation according to PAs protection status. Key drivers include the conversion of forests into agricultural land, fire, illegal charcoal production, and the illegal extraction of valuable timber.
Although there is generally effective management and increasingly good relations between MNP and communities, and ecological restoration efforts are under way in many protected areas, these efforts are currently not sufficient to halt the ongoing forest loss.
Although there is generally effective management and increasingly good relations between MNP and communities, and ecological restoration efforts are under way in many protected areas, these efforts are currently not sufficient to halt the ongoing forest loss.
Rare and endemic birds
Low Concern
Trend
Stable
No rare or endemic birds appear particularly threatened within the property.
Rare and endemic reptiles and amphibians
Data Deficient
Trend
Stable
The impact of commercial collection of rare and endemic reptiles and amphibians remains unknown, but in the past was considered likely highly localised (Rasoloarison & Paquier, 2003). Numerous new and locally-endemic species have been recently described (Bora et al., 2010).
Rare and endemic mammals
Low Concern
Trend
Stable
Although subsistence harvesting may impact some species, particularly lemurs, its impacts are highly localised (Ausilio, 1993; ANGAP, 2003; IUCN Consultation, 2012).
Unique and spectacular geomorphological features
Good
Trend
Stable
There are no pressures known to negatively impact the Tsingy karst itself, apart from the impacts of tourism which are highly localised and well-managed (IUCN Consultation, 2012).
Centers of endemism resulting from paleoclimatic oscillations over millions of years
Low Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
The property’s centres of endemism are very marked and unique, each with its own, often higher level (genus or higher) taxonomic representatives (IUCN, 2023). The effects of deforestation due to agricultural encroachement and fires affects on local endemic species is known, however the larger impact of climate change through changes of patterns in rainfall regime and temperature still remain unknown.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Stable
The conservation of the property’ OUV shows progress, however deforestation have shown complex patterns in and around the Protected Areas of Madagascar from 2015 to 2023. Key drivers include the conversion of forests into agricultural land, fire, illegal charcoal production, and the illegal extraction of valuable timber. While rare and endemic species face localized threats such as subsistence hunting and commercial collection, their overall status appears stable. The Tsingy karst formations are well-preserved, though the broader impacts of deforestation and climate change on Andrefana Dry Forests remain concerning. Ongoing efforts in ecological restoration and adaptive management are crucial to safeguarding these valuable natural assets.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values
Good
Improving
Madagascar is a global leader in integrating communities into protected area management. The support of local communities has been searched during the nomination process. While sustainable use by local communities in the core areas is currently unrealised except for the Mikea Indigenous Peoples in Mikea National Park National whose rights to live in the forest and continue traditional hunting and gathering practices are recognized (IUCN, 2023; State Party of Madagascar, 2020), local community-based committees assist with buffer zone management and provide input into park management and these mechanisms seem to be functioning effectively and in close partnership with Madagascar National Park (MNP).
Additional information
Outdoor recreation and tourism,
Natural beauty and scenery
The ecotourism potential of the serial property of six protected areas is enormous and is largely under-exploited at present (State Party of Madagascar, 2023). The figures vary greatly for each park, with annual averages of 19, 10649, 4325, 11077, 23 and 1272 respectively for Analamerana, Ankarana, Ankarafantsika, Bemaraha, Mikea and Tsimanampesotse between 2012 and 2016.
Importance for research
The advanced knowledge of Tsingy de Bemaraha has made it possible to value the various biological, ecological, biogeographical, paleontological, anthropological and socio-cultural options for the development of the protected area complex of Tsingy de Bemaraha.
There are still large gaps in the research. A priority list of research fields/ projects needs to be generated and fundings need to be secured to guide and support the efforts of researchers.
History and tradition,
Sacred natural sites or landscapes
The Tsingy of Bemaraha are believed to be the tomb sites of the aborigines’ ancestors, the ‘vazimba’ and the final resting place of the souls of the ancestors.
Carbon sequestration,
Soil stabilisation,
Pollination
The estimated 85,000 ha of forests contain unquantified stocks of carbon.
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)
The Bemaraha Plateau receives considerable precipitation in the rainy season and regulates the hydrology of the region to its west; this includes the Manambolomaty and Bemamba lake complexes, both of high biodiversity importance, as well as an unquantified extent of rice paddies and feed lakes stocked with fish (Rasoloarison & Pacquier, 2003).
The quality and quantity of water provided by the site may be negatively impacted upon by a variety of factors of which habitat change, climate change and invasive species, are seen to be paramount.
Collection of wild plants and mushrooms
Presence of honey and wild yams.
The World Heritage site provides hydrological regulation services to the region to its west, including economically and biologically important wetland areas, and contains 85,000 ha of carbon-storing forest. Its ecosystems are of global importance for biodiversity conservation as well as providing the opportunity for knowledge generation and recreation, but its potential for the sustainable provision of forest products has not been realised. However, the most important benefit of the site is its contribution to the local and regional economy through tourism. This benefit may be actively enhanced without a concomitant increase in the impact on the protected area.
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Alamgir, M., Campbell, M.J., Sloan, S., Goosem, M., Clements, G.R., Mahmoud, M.I., Laurance, W.F. (2017). Economic, Socio-Political and Environmental Risks of Road Development in the Tropics. Current Biology 27, R1130–R1140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2017.08.067
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Andrianambinina, F.O.D., Ganzhorn, J.U., Waeber, P.O., Wilmé, L. (2025). Complex deforestation patterns in and around the Protected Areas of Madagascar from 2015 to 2023. Land 14, 698. https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040698
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Andrianambinina, F.O.D., Rafanoharana, S.C., Rasamuel, H.A., Waeber, P.O., Ganzhorn, J.U., Wilmé, L. (2023b). Decrease of deforestation in Protected Areas of Madagascar during the Covid-19 years. Madagascar Conservation & Development 18(1), 15–21. https://doi.org/10.4314/mcd.v18i1.2
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Pollution is a low concern but not negligible. Here pollution includes littering and pollution emanating (air quality) beyond the bounds of the site.