Ampasambazimba

Ampasambazimba
Ampasambazimba
Highest point
Elevation	1,036 m (3,399 ft)
Coordinates	18°54′00″S 46°43′48″E / 18.90000°S 46.73000°E / -18.90000; 46.73000[1][2]

Ampasambazimba is a mountain peak and subfossil site in Madagascar, near Analavory, (Itasy) most known for being the site of the remains of the extinct giant sloth lemur Archaeoindris.

Ampasambazimba is located at 1,036 meters above sea level.^[3] It was discovered in 1902 by Monsieur Raybaud, a colonial administrator at the time. In 1909, the giant sloth lemur Archaeoindris was described by Herbert F. Standing using subfossil fragments.^[4][5] A complete skull was later discovered by Charles Lamberton in 1925, which he then published in 1934.^[5]

Ampasambazimba is regarded as one of the most productive and most well-known subfossil sites in Madagascar.^[1] A number of sporadic excavations were conducted at Ampasambazimba, ranging from 1902 to 1984. Excavations resulted in the discovery of 15 lemuroid species, of which seven were extinct. Excavations also resulted in the discovery of 13 bird species, of which eight were extinct.