rosulatum var. gracilius) and the narrow endemic Aloe isaloensis. 5. Secondary shrub communities Secondary shrub communities are found where the slopes of the Isalo Massif contact fields or pastures. The most common species in these communities are listed as: Mimosa latispinosa, Vangueria madagascariensis, Maesa lanceolata, Aphloia theaeformis, Crotalaria sp., and Tamarindus indica. 6. Grasslands Native grasslands, probably once restricted to small patches, are thought to have expanded as a result of intensive burning, primarily to facilitate cattle grazing. Grasslands (also called pseudo-steppes) are now widespread in Isalo, dominated by Aristida similis and Aristida rufescens as well as Trachypogon sp. or Heteropogon sp. Frequent burning maintains the grasslands and prevents tree regrowth. Gallery See also List of national parks of Madagascar References External links Official website (in French) Wild Madagascar- Isalo National parks of Madagascar Ihorombe Protected areas established in 1999 1999 establishments in Madagascar Madagascar dry deciduous forests Madagascar subhumid forests Important Bird Areas of Madagascar