The complex of the protected areas of Ankarafantsika has an area of 135,000 hectares (333,600 acres) and comprises the Forestry Station of Ampijoroa with its 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres).

It was created thanks to the Conservation International NGO to protect the deciduous forest, made up of valuable trees such as Rosewood, Ebony, Baobab (species: Andasonia Madagascariensis), and Pachypodium (species: Pachypodium rosolatum), in addition to rare orchids, and its inhabitants.

In particular, the park is known for the presence of numerous birds, including Van Dam’s Vanga, which is endemic.

It will also be possible to admire various species of diurnal lemurs, such as Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi coquereli), also endemic to the park, and the Eulemur fulvus fulvus (common brown lemur), Avahi laniger (Eastern woolly lemur) and Microcebus (mouse lemur), all nocturnal.

There are also chameleons, iguanas, and various other species of harmless reptiles.

It is also possible to visit Lake Ravelobe, populated by Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), which can usually be sighted during the dry season (April/November) and an exceptional bird fauna made up of herons, pink and white flamingos, ibis, and fishing eagles (“Ankoay”).

Next to the reserve’s entrance is the Reproduction Centre for the extremely rare Angonoka, or Ploughshare, tortoise (Geochelone yniphora) and Radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata).