This site is located south-east of Ambositra, on the eastern escarpment, and generally consists of a very undulating plateau, descending towards the east. Two tributaries of the Mananjary river flow through the forest—the Maintinandry and the Ambinanindrano. These are fast-flowing, permanent rivers with waterfalls, which can be as high as 60 m. The mid-altitude, dense, humid evergreen forest is dominated by Dalbergia, Weinmannia and Symphonia.
Key biodiversity
See Box and Tables 2 and 3 for key species. Fifty-six species are known from the site, of which 35 are endemic to Madagascar. The bird community is typical of humid forest. Species of global conservation concern include Lophotibis cristata, Atelornis pittoides, Phyllastrephus cinereiceps, Crossleyia xanthophrys, Dromaeocercus brunneus and Pseudobias wardi.
Threats include slash-and-burn cultivation, exploitation for wood, grazing, and collection of wild honey.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Zafimaniry Forest. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 31/03/2023.
