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Ranomafana National Park

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is the author of the Insight Guide to Madagascar.

Ranomafana National Park (Parc National de Ranomafana) is home to 12 species of lemur; seven active in the daytime and five active at night. The most sought-after is the golden bamboo lemur, which can only be seen in Ranomafana. Red-fronted brown lemur and red-bellied lemur are easily seen and the sportive lemur can often be found during the day resting in the fork of a tree.

Golden
bamboo lemur Common

Red-fronted
brown lemur Common

Red-bellied
lemur Common

Greater
bamboo lemur Common

Grey
bamboo lemur Common

Giraffe-necked
weevil Common

Milne-Edward's
sifaka Occasional

Rufous
mouse lemur Occasional

Parson's
chameleon Common

Satanic
leaf-tailed gecko Occasional

Painted
mantella Occasional

Fossa Very Rare

Spotted
fanaloka Rare

Ring-tailed
mongoose Rare

Wildlife Highlights

Ranomafana is home to three different bamboo lemurs: greater, grey and the critically endangered, but locally common golden bamboo lemur. Bamboo lemurs are quite plain looking but their restricted habitat makes them a specialty in Ranomafana. Another special sight in the rainforest is the giraffe-necked weevil. Just as real giraffes, the males fight with their elongated necks.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Ranomafana can be visited at any time, but most people try to avoid the middle of the Wet season. Perhaps the best months are from September to December. While this is during the Wet season, it is before the big rains arrive. Some animals, reptiles especially, are harder to see in the cold Dry season months from June to August. April and May are also shoulder months and are a good choice.