Makira Forest

The Makira Forest is one of the largest remaining blocks of forest in Madagascar and is located in the northeastern part of the island, southwest of Maroantsetra. Maroantsetra can be reached by commercial flight, and a good hotel, le Relais du Masoala, is available there. Access to the forest is by foot starting a few kilometers southwest of the town. Based on existing records, the lemur fauna here is remarkable and includes Anjiahely mouse lemur (Microcebus macarthurii), Masoala fork-marked lemur (Phaner furcifer), Seal’s sportive lemur (Lepilemur seali), northern bamboo lemur (Hapalemur occidentalis), white-fronted brown lemur (Eulemur albifrons), northern black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata subcincta), eastern woolly lemur (Avahi laniger), silky sifaka (Propithecus candidus), indri (Indri indri), and aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis). Sibree’s dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus sibreei) has been reported from Makira but its occurrence there is not certain. The dwarf lemur there may be an as-yet-undescribed species. Unfortunately, there is heavy hunting pressure in this region, and it is actually quite difficult to find lemurs in Makira. Officially, the forest is under temporary government protection while awaiting final conservation status. However, given the difficulty of access and the hunting problem, we do not recommend it to first-time visitors to the country.