We are dismayed to learn that illegal mining and logging operations remain a continuing problem in the COMATSA Protected Area, which is directly adjacent to Marojejy and Anjanaharibe-Sud. A recent law enforcement mission in the area is described in the post linked below.

COMATSA Protected Area: Illegal Mining Temporarily Halted
Andranomilolo – Doany

During a forest monitoring mission in the Andasimanintsy area of ​​Andranomilolo Village, Doany Rural Commune, Andapa Mining District, which is part of the COMATSA Protected Area, 22 people were arrested for illegal gold mining and logging. The DREDD SAVA team [Regional Directorate of Environment and Sustainable Development], together with FIP [Police Intervention Force], carried out the operation to strengthen the monitoring and protection of natural resources, especially forests, within the COMATSA Protected Area. During the field visit, it was found that there are still human activities that can damage the environment and reduce the forest area, thus reinforcing the importance of continuous monitoring. The matter is in the hands of the competent authorities, and the next steps are awaited according to the applicable law. This event strengthens the collaboration between DREDD SAVA, FIP and partners for the protection and sustainable management of natural resources in the SAVA region.

Amponaomby is the gateway village to the new Camp Varecia in Anjanaharibe-Sud. We’re very pleased to see the local community getting better school facilities.  Thank you, Wildlife Madagascar!

Hot off the press!

The newest book in Vahatra’s “Ecotourism Guides to Protected Areas” series is devoted exclusively to Marojejy and Anjanaharibe-Sud. This new book will be extremely useful for anyone with an interest in Marojejy and Anjanaharibe-Sud.  It is bilingual (French/English) and features detailed information on the natural history of the area (including extensive species lists), as well as on how to visit.

Currently, the book is available for purchase only locally in Madagascar, but it is scheduled for international release in Europe and North America in September 2026 and can be pre-ordered through the University of Chicago Press or major retailers (e.g., Amazon). Better yet, you can try ordering through your local bookseller (ISBN 2957984946).

Vahatra Guidebook to Marojejy & Anjanaharibe-Sud, 2026

Lots of exciting new lemur research and surveys are underway in Anjanaharibe-Sud under the auspices of Wildlife Madagascar.

Last year, researchers working in Anjanaharibe-Sud witnessed white-fronted brown lemurs mating — a very rare sighting. Thank you, Wildlife Madagascar, for all the work you’re doing in Anjanaharibe-Sud, and elsewhere in Madagascar!

It’s wonderful to see the SAVA Agroecological Team and Duke Lemur Center working on more landscape restoration projects in the SAVA Region around Marojejy and Anjanaharibe-Sud. This is important work, and it’s great to see it being done in a thoughtful and sustainable manner. Thank you, all!

 

 

Photos from another impressive project spearheaded by Duke Lemur Center SAVA…

Researchers are evaluating ways to reestablish native forests in areas of Marojejy and Anjanaharibe-Sud that were once cleared for agricultural purposes.

One of the bridges on the dirt road between Manantenina and Mandena has collapsed, cutting off vehicle access to Mandena. Once again, travellers heading to Marojejy will need to walk this section of the route. Fortunately, it’s not far, and the walk is tranquil and beautiful.