Isalo National Park, Category II
Madagascar National Parks (MNP)
81,540 ha
Provinces of Fianarantsoa and Toliara; Regions of Ihorombe and Atsimo Andrefana; District of Ihosy
Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) site, Important Bird Area (IBA)
The main vegetation found in Isalo National Park is canyon riparian forests, mid-altitude sclerophyllous forests, rupicolous vegetation and dry deciduous forests on alluvial soil.
Isalo National Park is also home to 401 species of plants including 3 endemic species of the Dipterocarpaceae family. 16 plants species deserve special attention because of their restricted geographical distribution and critical status of conservation.
7 species
1 critically endangered, 3 endangered (among which the Maki - Lemur catta) and 2 vulnérable
94 species
4 endangered (including Madagascar’s beetle and Malagasy grebe)
77 species
1 local endemic and 2 vulnerable geckos species
22 species
4 local endemic, among which 3 endangered 1 other amphibians species endangered
2 species
1 vulnerable, namely the fosa
15 species
4 vulnerable (including Madagascar’s flying fox)
10 species
1 local endemic
401 species
277 endemic to Madagascar (71%): 1 species endangered and 2 vulnerable 13 local endemics (3%) among which 2 species critically endangered and 2 endangered
Sandstone massif with canyons, rupicolous vegetation, degraded sclerophyllous woodland, secondary grasslands and pastures, rupicolous forest, moist semi-deciduous rainforest, Pandanus thicket, swamps, secondary forests and thickets. Particularity: existence of sacred areas for Bara where cultural rites are performed, burial sites.
Fires, selective forest trees cutting for households, charcoal and ritual purposes, collection of products.
Isalo National Park is characterised by its ruiniform landscapes and large canyons. This is the main tourist attraction of this national park. The park is MNP significant income supplier thanks to ecotourism.
Like all protected areas managed by MNP, Isalo National Park is managed in a collaborativeway with the participation of members of local communities in conservation and development activities. They are brought together in CLP (Local Park Committee) and COSAP (Protected Areas Guidance and Support Committee).
FAPBM’s support for Isalo National Park has started in 2019 for salary costs and some operating costs. The conservation status of the National Park’s conservation targets remains stable, particularly for natural habitats.
