Located on the north-west coast of Madagascar, this biosphere reserve contributes to the conservation of three specific habitats: dry semi-deciduous forest, mangrove forest and coral reefs.

The forest is one of the few remaining patches of dry littoral forest on the west coast of Madagascar.

Declaration Date : 2001
Surface Area : 153,200 ha
Administrative Division : straddled across the Région DIANA/Province Diego Suarez and SOFIA/Province de Majunga.

The Sahamalaza-Iles Radama Biosphere Reserve contains a diversity of habitats and ecosystems.

The marine ecosystem, comprises coral reefs, sea grass beds, steep reefs, sandy-muddy sea beds and mud flats. It contains 216 species of corals and invertebrates, 168 species of fish, 3 species of marine mammals (Dolphins, whale).

The Sahamalaza Biosphere Reserve also contains mangroves covering an area of 10 000 ha. The 8 species of mangroves known to Madagascar are represented. The mangroves are inhabited by mangrove crabs, fish, shell-fish that are exploited by the local population. The mangrove habitat is ecologically important for the conservation of 5 species of threatened birds including the Haliaeetus vociferoides or Madagascar Sea-Eagle.

The third ecosystem comprises the low, dry coastal forest covering 11 100 ha, hosting local endemic species of lemurs in danger of extinction, such as the Eulemur macaco flavifrons and Hapalemur samalazensis.