What's inside this crater in Madagascar

# What's inside this crater in Madagascar

Off the coast of Africa lies Madagascar, one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. Almost all of its flora and fauna are endemic, found nowhere else on Earth. From space, we noticed a massive, perfectly round dark circle over thirteen kilometers in diameter, so prominent that roads detour around it. Closer inspection revealed it was a mountain with a village nestled in its crater, 8 kilometers from the closest labeled town on Google Maps. This village seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, only emerging after 2008.

## The Quest to Connect with the Village

With no prior connections in Madagascar and limited knowledge about the island, I set out to discover why people chose to live in such an isolated place. Using the internet as our primary tool, we began our investigation. The closest location tags on the map— a butcher shop, a playground, and a historical landmark—turned out to be false, referencing the popular Japanese manga and anime series "Attack on Titan," written in Russian. Real tags, such as churches, hospitals, and schools, provided little information.

We expanded our search radius on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Finally, 12 kilometers away, we found a nonprofit worker who had posted from a nearby village in 2014. However, our attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. We then contacted an aid organization that had posted pictures on Instagram from the nearest town, Antaniditra, but they knew nothing about the village on the mountain.

## Experts and Local Contacts

Determined to uncover more, we reached out to experts in agriculture and biogeography who had worked in Madagascar. Madagascar, with a population of nearly 29 million, has over 60 percent of its people living in rural settings similar to the one we were investigating. The closest major city to our mysterious village was Tsiroanomandidy, 18 kilometers away, with a population of over 44,000.

Realizing we needed a more direct approach, we connected with Lalie, a production company owner in Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital. Lalie agreed to make the journey to the village. She assembled a crew and planned their trip, despite the challenges of traveling during Madagascar’s hot, rainy season.

## The Journey to Ambohiby

In January, Lalie’s team set off, including a guide, historian, fixer, and driver. After traveling 10 kilometers by motorcycle and on foot, they approached the mountain. But a massive storm forced them to turn back, delaying the visit until the rainy season ended in May.

Meanwhile, our research revealed the mountain, the Ambohiby Massif, was a 90-million-year-old extinct volcano. This discovery connected us to the breakup of Madagascar and India 90 million years ago. Seeking further confirmation, we found geological experts who validated the mountain's origins and explained its significance.

## Unraveling the Mystery

As we continued to investigate, we found maps dating back to the early 1900s, describing Ambohiby as a lush forest. This area, rich in natural resources, seemed to be a magnet for communities. We discovered reports mentioning the valley's fresh water sources, making it an ideal place for settlement.

We contacted Ndivhuwo Cecilia Mukosi, a South African geoscientist who had studied the Ambohiby area in 2007, before the village existed. Her research indicated the presence of an alkaline ring complex, a geological formation known for its fertile soil.

## The Second Attempt

With the rainy season over, Lalie’s team made another attempt to reach the village in May. Accompanied by a local guide, they documented the journey through Madagascar’s countryside, capturing scenes of everyday life. They interviewed residents in Antaniditra and learned about the unique attributes of the Ambohiby region.

Finally, the crew climbed the mountain and reached the crater village. They were greeted with suspicion but eventually spoke with one of the village elders. The villagers had migrated from Manandriana, a district in Madagascar's central highlands, seeking better land for farming. The name they gave their new home was Anosibe Ambohiby, or "Big Island" Ambohiby.

## Conclusion

Anosibe Ambohiby was chosen for its water, fertile soil, and space. In their original home of Manandriana, population density was over twice as high as in their new district of Tsiroanomandidy. For farmers, space is crucial for planting, breeding livestock, and building a life.

Lalie team witnessed the villagers' successful efforts in cultivating lemon and orange trees, a cash crop sold at markets despite the difficult journey down the mountain. The remoteness of the village, initially an obstacle, became central to their story.

Madagascar’s underdeveloped road networks leave many rural areas unconnected, making life challenging for millions. Anosibe Ambohiby, once an enigmatic dot on the map, became a testament to human resilience and adaptation. Through perseverance, we pieced together the story of this hidden village, showcasing the strength and determination of its inhabitants.