The Mahavavy Kinkony Complex covers approximately 300,000 hectares in northwestern Madagascar, within the Boeny region, Mitsinjo district. It is named after the Mahavavy River and Lake Kinkony, the second-largest lake in the country. This protected area is known for the richness and diversity of its ecosystems, combining dry forests, mangroves, inland and marine wetlands, palm savannas, and vast lake expanses.
Classified as a protected harmonious landscape (IUCN Category V), it also includes Ramsar sites of global importance, such as Lake Kinkony. This mosaic of habitats hosts a large number of endemic species, some threatened, as well as migratory species.
The wildlife of the complex is particularly impressive : nine primate species can be found here, including some iconic to Madagascar, along with 133 bird species, making the site one of the island’s prime ornithological spots. Flamingos, herons, terns, and other migratory birds find refuge here during the austral winter. The area also hosts over 30 fish species and 37 species of reptiles and amphibians.
Local populations, mainly Sakalava, Antanosy, Antandroy, Tsimihety, Merina, and Betsileo communities, live in close connection with their natural environment. They traditionally practice fishing, livestock farming, and rice cultivation. The site is managed by the organization Asity Madagascar, which collaborates with local communities and national authorities to preserve the delicate balance between conservation and local development.
Here is an overview of the main species recorded in the Mahavavy Kinkony Complex:
| Group | Number of Species | Notable Examples |
| Primates | 9 | Sifakas, lemurs, mouse lemurs |
| Birds | 133 | Flamingos, herons, ducks, terns, ibises |
| Reptiles & Amphibians | 37 | Chameleons, geckos, snakes, frogs |
| Fish | 30 | Tilapias, catfish, endemic lake species |
