Although it is isolated from the rest of the island, Masoala shelters more than half of the species that are present in the entire country, making it a true natural sanctuary. To protect these species from forest over-exploitation, in particular from slash-and-burn agriculture and the illegal logging of precious woods, the Malagasy authorities have created the largest network of protected areas in Madagascar on the peninsula: Masoala National Park.
With an area of 240,000 hectares, Masaola National Park and the special reserve of Nosy Mangabe island form a group of spectacular formations. Mangrove forests, rainforests and coral reefs are the refuge of a large number of birds (102 species) and lemurs (10 species) but also of amazing plant species, such as the carnivorous pitcher plant.