Ankarana Special Reserve

Wildlife & Animals

Ankarana Tours

Expert

Philip is the author of the Insight Guide to Madagascar.

Ankarana Special Reserve is a scenic hiking destination and most visitors focus on seeing the tsingy, caves and lakes. Although there is plenty of wildlife around, especially in the forested areas, you might not see many animals. The most commonly encountered mammals are crowned lemur and Sanford’s brown lemur. Ring-tailed mongoose can sometimes be seen at the campsites. Ankarana protects a good variety of birds and plenty of chameleons and other reptiles.

Crowned lemur Common

Sanford's
brown lemur Common

Ring-tailed
mongoose Occasional

Ankarana
sportive lemur Occasional

Panther
chameleon Common

Oustalet's
chameleon Common

Leaf-tailed geckos Common

Giant day gecko Occasional

Madagascar
free-tailed bat Common

Fossa Rare

Nile crocodile Rare

Madagascar
ground boa Rare

Spotted fanaloka Very Rare

Tenrecs Rare

Wildlife Highlights

Although 11 species of lemur have been recorded, Ankarana is not particularly favorable for seeing these charismatic creatures. The underground caves are a good place to find some of the less cuddly inhabitants of the reserve. Around 50,000 Madagascar free-tailed bats roost in the Grotte des Chauves-Souris, and that is just one of 16 bat species recorded. Less easy to see are the Nile crocodiles that have uniquely adapted to living in underground rivers and pools.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Ankarana can be visited year-round. However, the months from May to November offer the best hiking conditions. June to August are the coolest months and this is the ideal time to do some of the more strenuous hikes. In October and November lemurs are most active and have their babies. During these warm months, snakes are more easily spotted as they come out to bask in the sun.