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Daraina (Loky-Manambato Protected Area) **

The town of Daraina is in northeastern Madagascar, two to five hours north of Vohémar depending on weather and road conditions. The surrounding patches of dry forest are best known for their large populations of Tattersall’s sifaka (Propithecus tattersalli), but are also home to the fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus medius), the Daraina sportive lemur (Lepilemur milanoii), the crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus), and Sanford’s brown lemur (Eulemur sanfordi). There is also an as-yet unidentified species of Phaner, which may be new to science, and the aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) have also been reported. Daraina is now the core area of the newly-created, 57,000 ha Loky-Manambato Protected Area, which is managed by the Malagasy non-governmental organization, Association Fanamby. Fanamby has developed tourist facilities, known as “Camp Tattersall,” at the edge of the Andranotsinaty Forest. These facilities include large, comfortable tents equipped with mattresses and a private bathroom, and Tattersall’s sifaka may be found very near the campsite. Visits can be arranged either through Fanamby or through a number of tour companies in Antsiranana (= Diégo-Suarez).

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