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]

Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
A karst limestone formation, known as tsingy in Malagasy
Map showing the location of Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
Location of Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
LocationMelaky Region, Madagascar
Nearest cityAntsalova
Coordinates18°40′S 44°45′E
Area834.11 km2 (322.05 sq mi)
Established31 December 1927
Governing bodyMadagascar National Parks
Official nameTsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
TypeNatural
Criteriavii, x
Designated1990 (14th session)
Reference no.494rev
RegionAfrica

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".

A view of the park

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

References
  1. "Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve". UNESCO. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  2. Shea, Neil (November 2009). "Living On a Razor's Edge: Madagascar's labyrinth of stone". National Geographic. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  3. "21 World Heritage Sites you have probably never heard of". Daily Telegraph.
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