Sahamalaza National Park – Radama Islands, Category II
Madagascar National Parks (MNP)
26,035 ha
Province of Mahajanga; Region of Sofia; Districts of Ambanja and Analalava
Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) site, Biosphere Reserve, Important Bird Area (IBA), RAMSAR site: Sahamalaza humid areas, Key Area for Biodiversity
Sahamalaza National Park was Madagascar first marine and coastal park created within the framework of the SAPM.
The park belongs to the Northern marine and coastal ecoregion including 3 large ecosystems: marine with coral reefs, semi-caducifoliated dry forests and mangroves.
Five IUCN Red-List bird species are found in these natural habitats: Haliaeetus vociferoides, Threskiornis bernieri, Ardea humbloti, Ardeola idae and the Lophotibis cristata.
7 species
2 critically endangered, 2 nocturnal lemurs endangered (including the Aye-aye) and 3 vulnerable
91 species
1 critically endangered (Madagascar Sea eagle – Ankoay) and 2 endangered
36 species
1 local endemic classified endangered, 1 chameleon species (of the Brookesia genus) classified as endangered and 5 other reptile species vulnerable
11 species
2 local endemic, 1 being classified as critically endangered and the other as endangered; 1 other species is also classified as endangered
3 species
2 vulnerable, including the fossa
6 species
2 vulnerable, including the Madagascan flying fox
5 species
+220 species
woody species: 1 species endemic to Madagascar classified as endangered and 1 other classified as vulnerable, belonging to the endemic family of Sarcolaenaceae are found there
Moist semi-deciduous forest (transition between the dry deciduous forest and the moist evergreen forest of the Sambirano domain), rupicolous forest, raffia swamp forest, mangrove, dry littoral thicket, secondary forest, secondary thicket, secondary grassland, coral reef and seagrass areas. Particularity: Presence of sacred places subject to taboos « fady », within and around the PA. According to local traditions, it is prohibited to exploit marine and forest resources in certain places.
Uncontrolled fires, clearing for agricultural expansion, land occupation by villages extension, mangrove timber logging.
The park is a water tower for rice growing on the plains of this region of Sofia. The presence of fisheries resources such as crabs, fish, shrimp, holothurians, etc. is a potential source of income for the population in addition to consumption. Opportunity to generate additional income through ecotourism.
Like all protected areas managed by MNP, the management of Sahamalaza National Park is a collaborative co-management with the participation 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 Sahamalaza National Park started in 2019 for salary costs and some operating costs. The biggest threat to the natural resources of this national park is land clearing for agriculture and fires. The conservation status of natural habitats is quite fragile on account of these pressures.
