Ihofa Vohitsara Bioreserve is an eastern wetland rainforest located in the Alaotra Mangoro Region adjacent to Mantadia National Park and Andasibe National Park. With 1,100 hectares of wetlands, this region is marked by the passage of tropical cyclones that arrive in the hot season and bring a large amount of rain. This heterogenous forest is home to 939 plant species from 109 families, of which around 77% are endemic. Additionally, Torotorofotsy supports 110 species of bird, 53 species of reptile, 84 amphibian species and 40 species of mammal, including 14 lemur species. Among them are seed dispersers, such as the Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, who are vital for the preservation and perpetuation of the forest.
In 2019, as part of their research program, Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership (MBP) purchased the land surrounding the Vohitsara basecamp and renovated facilities to host researchers and tourists. With the land secured, a reforestation program has been initiated that incorporates knowledge gained in local lemur monitoring programs. MBP carries out this work in close partnership with neighboring villages and is closely allied with community-based groups supporting forest management.
Key Species: Indri (Indri indri, CR), Diademed Sifaka (Propithecus diadema, CR), Greater Bamboo Lemur (Prolemur simus, CR), Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata, CR), Aye-Aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis, EN), Hairy-eared Dwarf Lemur (Allocebus trichotis, EN), Lesser Bamboo Lemur (Hapalemur griseus, VU), Red-bellied Lemur (Eulemur rubriventer, VU), Brown Lemur (Eulemur fulvus, VU), Greater Dwarf Lemur (Cheirogaleus major, VU), Furry-eared Dwarf Lemur (Cheirogaleus crossleyi, VU), Goodman's Mouse Lemur (Microcebus lehilahytsara, VU), Weasel Sportive Lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus, VU), Eastern Wooly Lemur (Avahi laniger, VU)
The project start date and project description are provided from the point of view of Re:wild's support to the partner. Restoration work is focused in a more restricted area within the depicted polygon.