The Petignat family has dedicated itself to the conservation of the island’s endangered plants since 1980. Today, the Antsokay arboretum offers an overview of the regional vegetation with 900 species, 90% of which are endemic. The centre offers guide..

Antandroy farmer-shepherds live in this poor region characterised by its dry soil. Between cactus, euphoria and Barbary figs, they raise zebu, build sumptuous tombs and sing the praises of the ancestors of the Androy, the “land of the thorns”.