[5] The type locality is the forestry station of Mandena, and it is further supported as a separate species by recent mitochondrial DNA research.

[1] The precise distribution is not known but it is found in south-eastern Madagascar from the Mananara River south to Andohahela and up to an altitude of 1,500 m (4,900 ft).

This species is found in three national parks; (Andohahela, Andringitra and Midongy du Sud), three special reserves (Kalambatritra, Manombo and Pic d' Ivohibe), Tsitongambarika Protected Area, and in the Mandena Conservation Zone.

[1] It is thought that this species is cathemeral, (i.e. it has sporadic and random intervals of activity during the day or night) and inhabits subtropical moist lowland and montane forests up to 1,600 m (5,200 ft).

[1] In Madena forest groups forage on the ground eating various grasses in areas of sparse tree cover and swamps, and have also been observed in reed beds along the estuaries of Evahtra.