Tsingy de Namoroka National Park

Tsingy de Namoroka National Park, formerly known as Tsingy de Namoroka Strict Nature Reserve, is a national park located in the northwestern part of Madagascar in the Mahajanga Province, specifically, the Soalala District.

Tsingy de Namoroka National Park
Tsingy located at Tsingy de Namoroka National Park
Map showing the location of Tsingy de Namoroka National Park
Map showing the location of Tsingy de Namoroka National Park
Location of Tsingy de Namoroka National Park
LocationNorthwestern Madagascar
Nearest citySoalala, Mahajanga
Coordinates16°28′S 45°20′E / 16.467°S 45.333°E / -16.467; 45.333
Area220.71 km2
Established1927
Governing bodyMadagascar National Parks Association (PNM-ANGAP)
www.parcs-madagascar.com/fiche-aire-protegee_en.php?Ap=28

History

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Namoroka Strict Nature Reserve was established in 1927[1] and became a special reserve in 1966. It forms a complex with the neighboring Baie de Baly National Park.[2]

Climate and geography

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Located in the northwestern part of Madagascar about 50 km (31 mi) south of Soalala, Namoroka has a dry season lasting about seven months with a rainy season lasting only five months. The resulting precipitation is about 115 cm (45 in) per year, while the average temperature hovers around 25 °C (77 °F).

The park is known for its tsingy walls, caves, canyons, and natural swimming pools. The Marosakabe cave system is 113 km (70 mi) long and is the longest cave in Africa.[3]

Fauna

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Like much of Madagascar, Namoroka is known for its abundant and diverse wildlife. Of its over 81 species of birds, 31 are endemic to Madagascar with 23 other species endemic to Madagascar and other neighboring islands.[4]

Namoroka is also home to over 30 species of reptiles, five types of frogs, and 16 mammals, including eight lemurs.[5] Specifically, Namoroka is home to the following lemur species:[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ The Tsingy de Namoroka National Park Sitesheet Archived 2009-04-11 at the Wayback Machine. World Database on Protected Areas.
  2. ^ "Parc National Baie de Baly".
  3. ^ Sibert, Eric (2019). Spéléologie sous les Tsingy de Namoroka, document no11 "Malagasy 2018". Association Drabons et Chieures ; Ass. Antsika Ensemble.
  4. ^ Tsingy de Namoroka. Madagascar National Parks. Retrieved on 2009-03-30.
  5. ^ a b Namoroka. Wild Madagascar. Retrieved on 2009-03-30.
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