ABSTRACT
This chapter examines a biotaxonomical and eco-functional assessment of parts of the protected area of the Andringitra Mountains. The Andringitra Mountains range is located in south-central Madagascar. The Andringitra Mountains are made up of Precambrian granite and gneiss. The very long process of physical and chemical weathering has resulted in a great variety of geomorphological features. The Andohariana plateau is complex at the approximate observed treeline, which is a transition zone between forest and grassland. The Andringitra Massif was never inhabited permanently but was rather considered important for its mystic and spiritual values and served as refuge from feudal warfare for early settlers of the southern Madagascar highlands. Recurrent fires and assumed high grazing pressure by extinct large lemurs were critical factors for the evolution of the rich vegetation mosaic of the Andohariana plateau.
