Ankarana is located as a special reserve a good 90 kilometers south of Antsiranana and can be visited very well from there. The reserve is not particularly large and primarily known for the Tsingy. Tsingy are Limestone formationswhich rise razor-sharp from the ground into the air. Over thousands of years they have been shaped by rainwater into their present form and offer a really extraordinary sight. Away from the Tsingy, Ankarana is primarily dominated by a dry vegetation which normally would not be suspected so far north in Madagascar. The gorge on the other hand is surrounded by lush evergreen forestswhich is a safe haven for many creatures. Numerous caves not only serve as a home for the various species of bats that are native to Ankarana, but also used to be important burial places for the kings of Antakarana, an ethnic group of Madagascar, whose settlements can still be found in the area today. In some caves awaits intrepid visitors another highlight: There live Crocodiles, which have retreated into the underworld and with the right guide and a little courage can perhaps even be visited if desired. By the way, these are the only crocodiles in the world that live in caves. Apart from that, however, Ankarana is mainly known as a reserve with a particularly high density of primates known. Many different species of lemurs live here together in a very small area. These include crowned lemurs, brown lemurs, Perrier's lemurs and many other species that can be seen here. In addition, various other mammals are resident in this sanctuary: fossas, tenreks and also striped civets can be discovered on an extended tour. But it is not only mammals that are popular with animal lovers who come to Ankarana. 100 different species of birds can be observed in this protected zone. In addition, there are about 50 different species of reptiles, many of which are geckos and snakes, some of which are highly endangered. Also ten species of frogs can be discovered in the reserve. In addition, there are also around 350 different representatives from the plant worldParadise in the Ankarana Special Reserve is also threatened. Especially threatening factors are the increasing Sapphire overexploitation as well as the deforestation of the so-called precious woodsThere will be hardly any of these left on Madagascar in just a few years, unless there is finally a change of course. Even specially protected reserves like Ankarana are not yet sufficiently secured against such attacks.