Nosy Tanikely National Park
Small island national park with rich marine and reptile biodiversity.
Nosy Tanikely National Park is a protected area located on the island of Nosy Tanikely, covering 341 hectares (3.41 km²) in northwest Madagascar. Established by decree on September 6, 2011, the park encompasses the entire island and surrounding sea, preserving a unique marine and terrestrial ecosystem.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Madagascar
- Area
- 341 ha
- Governing Body
- Madagascar National Parks Association
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The park's name, Nosy Tanikely, means 'island of the small land' in Malagasy, and is also spelled Tanihely with the same meaning. The island's summit reaches 40 meters, and its tropical climate maintains warm, humid conditions year-round. The park is nicknamed 'the natural aquarium' for its vibrant marine life, including clownfish, lionfish, crocodilefish, batfish, moray eels, trevallies, barracudas, Spanish mackerels, and blue-spotted stingrays, as well as green turtles and hawksbill sea turtles.
Reader's Guide
Nosy Tanikely National Park is significant for its isolated population of panther chameleons, which display unique coloration patterns not found on neighboring islands. Male chameleons feature blue and turquoise bands with red dots, and their turquoise bands can turn vivid orange when fatigued, stressed, or overheated. The park also serves as a nesting site for marine turtles, with nesting activity observed from January to May and November to December. A female turtle can lay up to 190 eggs per clutch, with a 95% hatching success rate after about 90 days. The entire island and surrounding sea are protected, and it is forbidden to remove any animals, such as chameleons.
Did You Know?
- The park covers 341 hectares (3.41 km²) and was established by decree on September 6, 2011.
- The island's panther chameleons display a range of vibrant colors, though claims of unique blue and turquoise bands with red dots exclusive to Nosy Tanikely remain unverified.
- Female turtles can lay up to 190 eggs per clutch, with hatching success rates varying; a consistent 95% rate for this park is not widely documented.
- The park is nicknamed 'the natural aquarium' due to its diverse marine life including clownfish, lionfish, and moray eels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nosy Tanikely National Park?
It is a small protected area on the island of Nosy Tanikely in northwest Madagascar that safeguards both the island's land and its surrounding waters. The park was created to preserve a distinctive mix of marine and terrestrial ecosystems found on this tiny island.
Where is Nosy Tanikely National Park located?
The park sits on an island roughly 8.5 km south of Nosy Be and to the west of Nosy Komba, in the northwest corner of Madagascar. Its boundaries cover the entire island as well as the adjacent sea zone.
When was Nosy Tanikely National Park established?
The park was officially created by government decree on September 6, 2011. Since that date, the whole island and its surrounding waters have been under protected status.
What kind of wildlife lives in Nosy Tanikely National Park?
The area is noted for its rich marine biodiversity and a notable population of reptiles. The tropical climate, with average temperatures around 26 °C, supports a variety of coastal and underwater species.
How large is Nosy Tanikely National Park?
The park spans 3.41 square kilometres (about 1.32 square miles), encompassing the full island and its surrounding sea. The island's highest point reaches only 40 metres above sea level.
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