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The accomodations consist of simple open bungalows with mosquito nets and electricity but camping is also possible. Kirindy is a one-day stop for most visitors -- actually many visitors only stop here for a night hike on their way to somewhere else. Having four days here gives me more time to explore some of the outer reaches of the reserve but I'd recommend a shorter stay for most people. This time of year (the cool dry season) much of the wildlife (especially repitles and amphibians) are hibernating. The forest is also very dry whereas during the rainy season much of the area of flooded and bright green leaves cover most of the plants. Kirindy is not accessible from mid-January to late March due to the rain. journal Province: Toliary (Tuléar) Area: 10,000 Protected area status: Private reseve Year established: General location: Western Location and Access: About an hour from Morondava Climate: Western deciduous forest Average temperature: 14-33°C* Elevation: Precipitation: Description: Kirindy is a place of extreme seasonal changes. A short, hot rainy season between December and February (where temperatures may top 40 C) is followed by nine months with little rain and cool temperatures. During this dry season, Kirindy's forest is brown, many trees are virtually leafless, and much of Kirindy's wildlife is in hibernation. Every rainy season, Kirindy explodes in verdant green vegetation and its many species of reptiles and amphibians become active. FAUNA Birds: Reptiles: 50 Chameleons: 7 Snakes: 11 Frogs: 15 Mammals: 31 Lemurs: 8 Rodents: 5 Insectivores: 7 Bats: 7 Carnivores: 3 Lemur species: FLORA: Species: Dominant ethnic group(s): Sakalava Additional notes: See journal Photos of Kirindy from Piotr Lukasik and other participants in the 2004 Tropical Biology Association Field Course. Giant Jumping Rat MAP/Satellite Picture KIRINDY PHOTOS
Pictures on this site were taken with a Konica Minolta |
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RECENT NEWS Caution urged in sale of Madagascar's illegal timber stockpiles (02/03/2012) Confiscated timber stocks in Madagascar must be managed in a "transparent manner" to deter future illegal logging and boosting demand for endangered rainforest timber, says a letter published by a coalition of NGOs. Photos of the day: a celebration of wetlands (for World Wetlands Day) (02/02/2012) Forget the groundhogs, February 2nd is also World Wetland Day, commemorating the historic convention of wetlands in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. The Ramsar Treaty was an international agreement meant to address the loss and degradation of wetlands worldwide. Frog perfume? Madagascar frogs communicate via airborne pheromones (01/25/2012) Researchers have found that some frogs in Madagascar communicate by more than just sound and sight: they create distinct airborne pheromones, which are secreted chemicals used for communicating with others. 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