Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve (Malagasy: Tsingin'ny Bemaraha, French: Réserve naturelle intégrale du Tsingy de Bemaraha) is a nature reserve located near the western coast of Madagascar in Melaky Region. The area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 due to the unique geography, preserved mangrove forests, and wild bird and lemur populations.[1][2]
National Park
The southern end of the protected area was changed into the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in 1997, while the northern end of the protected area remains as a strict nature reserve (Réserve Naturelle Intégrale). Borders were most recently adjusted in 2011.
It is characterised by needle-shaped limestone formations, above cliffs over the Manambolo River.[3] The incredibly sharp limestone formations can cut through equipment and flesh easily, which makes traversing them extremely difficult. The word "Tsingy" is derived from a local word meaning "the place where one cannot walk barefoot".
Tourism
Tourists can access the national park by road from Morondava, a town 150 km south of the park. Limited access is also possible from the town of Antsalova, which can be reached by plane from Antananarivo or Mahajanga.
See also
- List of national parks of Madagascar
- Madagascar dry deciduous forests
- Penitente (snow formation)
- Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
- World Heritage Sites in Madagascar
- Manambolo River
References
- ^ "Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve". UNESCO. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ Shea, Neil (November 2009). "Living On a Razor's Edge: Madagascar's labyrinth of stone". National Geographic. Archived from the original on October 22, 2009. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ "21 World Heritage Sites you have probably never heard of". Daily Telegraph.
External links
- Tsingy de Bemaraha Official Website (archived)
- UNESCO Strict Nature Reserve
- v
- t
- e
- Bemaraha
- Betampona
- Tsaratanana
- Analamazaotra
- Andasibe-Mantadia
- Andohahela
- Andringitra
- Ankarafantsika
- Baie de Baly
- Bemaraha
- Isalo
- Kirindy Mitea
- Lokobe
- Mananara-Nord
- Marojejy
- Marolambo
- Masoala
- Midongy du sud
- Mikea (proposed)
- Montagne d'Ambre
- Namoroka
- Nosy Mangabe
- Nosy Ve-Androka
- Ranomafana
- Sahamalaza
- Tsimanampetsotsa
- Zahamena
- Zombitse-Vohibasia