The succulent woodlands are found in the southwest and centre-west of Madagascar, in the rain shadow region that receives less moisture than the east and the Central Highlands.

Forests and open-canopied woodlands, reaching 15 metres (49 ft) in height, contain trees and shrubs of the families Burseraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, and Sapindaceae.

Endemic mammals include the narrow-striped mongoose (Mungotictis decemlineata), Malagasy giant rat (Hypogeomys antimena), and endangered Madame Berthe's mouse lemur (Microcebus berthae),[2] the world's smallest primate.

[2] The Madagascar succulent woodlands are threatened by burning, logging (which impacts species such as the endemic tree Hazomalania voyronii), cattle and goat farming, and hunting of several mammals.

[1][2] The Menabe Antimena protected area, located in the west of the ecoregion, includes the northern portion of the Kirindy Forest.