One of the World's First Protected Areas

In 1927, the Réserve Naturelle Intégrale de Betampona was founded establishing Madagascar among the first countries in the world to create protected areas. Located on the east coast, RNI Betampona* is a Strict Nature Reserve and covers 2,228 hectares (over 5,500 acres). Nature is left to its own devices and even scientific research is only allowed with permission from appropriate authorities.

MFG conservation agents and scientists work in the reserve studying lemurs, conducting research, and enhancing the protection of this rainforest.

Betampona is pronounced beh-tom'-poon

Photo: Carl Toborowsky



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© 2005 Madagascar Fauna Group