Fady, or “taboos,” exist in many places in Madagascar. Fady may be individual, collective, or specific to a family. Some fady at Masoala relate to fauna and flora like eels, turtles, and some lemurs, or certain lakes or forests. For example, it is fady to bring the pitcher plant Nepenthes to villages because a flood could occur if you accidentally pour out the plant’s fluid contents. It is fady to touch a chameleon, or “amboalava,” especially the species Calumma parsonii, or “rantotro.” Some villagers believe that chameleons bring misfortune. On the east coast of Masoala, it is fady to mention crocodiles, if they are ever seen. In other areas, certain rivers are thought to harbor evil spirits and it may be fady to bathe in them.
For visitors, it may be difficult to accept certain fady, but it is very important to respect the local people and their beliefs.
It is best to ask villagers or your guide about local fady where you are traveling, especially in the southern region of the peninsula, where belief in fady is still very strong.