Protected Harmonious Landscape of Mandrozo, Category V
The Peregrine Fund (TPF)
15,145 ha
Province of Mahajanga ; Region of Melaky ; District of Maintirano
Important Bird Area (IBA), RAMSAR site, Key Biodiversity Area (KBA)
The Mandrozo wetland, listed as a RAMSAR site in 2012 thanks to its importance in biodiversity and ecosystem services, obtained its final protection status in 2015.
The presence of at least 5 endangered bird species confirms its conservation importance.
Mandrozo’s ecosystems consist of Lake Mandrozo, swamps, dry forest fragments, palm forests and savannah.
2 species
1 critically endangered and 1 vulnerable
109 species
1 classified as critically endangered (the Madagascar fish eagle or ankoay - Haliaeetus vociferoides), 5 endangered (i.e: Madagascar Heron - Ardea humbloti, Sakalava rail - Amaurornis olivieri, Madagascar Pond heron - Adeola idae), 2 vulnerable
36 species
1 species of freshwater turtle classified as critically endangered (the rere), and 2 species endangered
11 species
2 species
1 vulnerable, namely the fosa
13 species
1 vulnerable, namely the Madagascar flying fox
4 species
35 species
19 endemic to Madagascar (54%)
Lake, marshes, dry deciduous forest on a system of old stabilized dunes, swamps, mosaic of dry deciduous forests and secondary grasslands.
Slash-and-burn agriculture, bushfires for arable land expansion, renewal of pasture and concealment of stolen livestock tracks, illegal logging and timber harvesting, destructive collection of forest products, hunting.
Lake Mandrozo attracts many fishermen, 75% of whom stay in the area during the fishing season only (7 months/year). Fishing contributes to generate an important household income. The annual production of fish from the lake can reach 400 tons of fresh fish (2018-19). The lake is a permanent source of water for agriculture.
3 local associations (ZAMAMI, FIVOMA, and FIMITOVE) from the 3 rural communes federate in a management platform called FILONGOA Mandrozo. It is the partner of The Peregrine Fund (TPF) in the management of the protected area and the implementation of conservation and development activities.
Mandrozo was classified as an Important Bird/Waterfowl Area (IBA) in 1999. Further to the commitment of the Durban Vision, The Peregrine Fund moved to Mandrozo in 2006 and proceeded with the process of creating a new protected area. The communities carry out the "Teabony" every year. It is a cultural rite marking the opening of the fishing season in Mandrozo which lasts 7 months a year. The fishermen have the right to fish only after this rite, "Teabony", which contributes to the rational and sustainable management of the natural resources of the protected area. All the surrounding islets are exclusively dedicated to these cultural and religious events.
FAPBM support to Mandrozo NPA began in 2015. The total amount of grants to date is MGA 972,261,187. The results are conclusive in view of the conservation status of the protected area‘s conservation targets, despite pressures such as clearing practices for cultivation, selective clearing, use of non-standard fishing nets, etc. The Manager closed Mandrozo Lake to all operations for 2 years in 2008-09 due to overfishing and the drying up of the lake. Since the implementation of rational management and the strengthening of Teabony, the annual production of fishing has doubled and can reach 400 tons of fresh fish per year.
