The Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor (CAZ) is a large area of protected forest biome in eastern Madagascar.[1] The CAZ encompasses some 3,810 km2, making it one of the largest areas of rainforest remaining in the country.[2] Over 2,000 species of plants have been recorded in the CAZ, nearly 1,700 of which are endemic to the region.[2]
| Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor | |
|---|---|
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources) | |
  Location of Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor | |
| Location | Eastern Madagascar |
| Nearest city | Moramanga, Alaotra-Mangoro |
| Coordinates | 17°42′S 48°45′E / 17.7°S 48.75°E[citation needed] |
| Area | 3,810 km2 |
| Established | 2007 |
| Governing body | MINENVEF |
This area is the main source of water in the eastern and western part of Madagascar.[3]
It received the status of a natural resource reserve in 2015.[4]
Flora and fauna
The CAZ is an area of enormous biodiversity: fifteen species of lemur have been recorded in it, at least three of which (the indri, the black-and-white ruffed lemur, and the diademed sifaka) are known to be threatened.[2]
Some 30 other mammal species, 129 amphibian species, and 89 avian species have been recorded in the CAZ.[2]