Natural
Les forêts sèches de l’Andrefana
Madagascar
Located in western Madagascar, this natural site encompasses the dry forests of the Andrefana region, a distinctive ecosystem adapted to arid and semi-arid climatic conditions. The area represents one of the most important remnants of dry deciduous forest in Madagascar, characterized by unique vegetation adapted to seasonal drought, including endemic plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. The landscape consists of scattered forest patches interspersed with grasslands and shrublands, reflecting both natural ecological patterns and the region's complex geological history. The site's significance lies in its exceptional biodiversity and its role as a refuge for numerous endemic species, particularly lemurs, birds, and plants that have evolved specifically to survive in Madagascar's dry western climate. The Andrefana forests represent a critical conservation priority due to ongoing threats from habitat degradation and the vulnerability of species with restricted ranges. This natural heritage reflects the evolutionary processes that have shaped Madagascar's distinct biota over millions of years of geographic isolation.
