Andringitra_Massif
Andringitra Massif
Mountain range in Madagascar
The Andringitra Massif ("desert of rocks")[3] is a granite massif located within Andringitra National Park in Madagascar. The range is approximately 64 kilometres (40 mi) long.[3] In its central area, the range is almost 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) wide, though it is much narrower on either end.[3] Pic Boby, the highest peak, stands at 2658 meters (8,720 ft) high.[3]
The massif varies dramatically based on slope and altitude. The eastern slopes tend to be barren, with abrupt cliffs and channels scoured into the rock by erosion from tropical storms.[3] The western slopes tend to slope more gradually, and are partly forested.[3] The mountains' base is tropical, but the forest gives way to thick carpets of lichen.[3] At approximately 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), there is a belt of hardy shrubs.[3] Above this belt the mountains are a grassland.
Today, it is mainly occupied by herders and shepherds who move in a bid to find the freshest grazing grounds for their livestock.[4] Tourists and adventurers have also visited the area as it provides both hiking and backpacking opportunities, as well as views of its geological formations.[citation needed]