Ambodivahibe - Fondation pour les Aires Protégées et la Biodiversité de Madagascar

Manager

Conservation International (CI)

Area

39 794 ha

Geographic Location

Province of Antsiranana; Diana Region; Antsiranana II District

International label

Key Biodiversity Area, Priority Area for Plant Conservation

Flagship Species

Ambodivahibe is a narrow and steep continental shelf,resulting in deep and narrow bays with canyons leading to deep water, where strong upwelling is observed. This site covers the continental shelf from the shoreline to the shelf edge, encompassing many types of bays and islands. The NAP is characterized by habitats specific to the marine and coastal ecoregion: coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass areas, beach, rocky shores and islets. They are nesting sites, feeding areas, development areas and dormitories of several species including sea turtles, terns, bats, crustaceans, reef fish, mollusks and echinoderms. Most of the fauna found there are species adapted to high salinity.

Birds

33 species

2 endangered and 1 vulnerabl

Reptiles

2 species

1 critically endangered (the hawksbill turtle) and 1 endangered (the green turtle)

Bats

1 species

1 of which is vulnerable, namely the Madagascar flying fox

Sharks

species

1 critically endangered (the scalloped hammerhead) and 2 vulnerable

Rays

5 species

1 endangered

Fish

271 species

Corals and sponges

84 species

Mollusks

54 species

Crabs

11 species

Seaweeds

91 species

Sea grass

10 species

Landscapes and habitats

coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, beaches, rocky coasts rocky coasts and islets

Pressures and threats

selective cutting of mangroves, temporary migration in some localities, presence of intruders during the closure of the octopus fishery, destruction of mangroves, irrational exploitation of resources by intruders, illegal and excessive fishing practices by migrant fishermen, increase in demand, insufficient control and surveillance; natural factors (increase in ambient temperature, disturbance of rainfall)

Economic value

The fishery resources constitute a means of subsistence for the population living along the park. The NAP of Ambodivahibe supplies a large part of the halieutic products (fish, shrimps, crabs, octopus) of the market of the city of Antsiranana.

Initiatives of the populations

The joint management set up in the MPA emphasizes the responsibility of the local populations. This is reflected in the intervention of associations and management committees in the management of the land: "Locally Managed Marine Area" (LMMA), the "Vondron'OlonaIfotony" (VOI) or the "Communautés de Base" (COBA). Within the framework of the fishing management in their respective areas, the LMMAs have established "dina" (local social convention), which translates into regulations that are to be applied in the practice of fishing. In addition to these groups, the local communities also participate in patrolling and surveillance activities in the MPA.

Category