Lizards of Madagascar

Madagascar is home to more than 260 species of lizards, showcasing an impressive range of adaptations and ecological roles. While the island hosts many familiar groups such as chameleons, geckos, skinks, and iguanids, it lacks agamas and monitor lizards, which are commonly found in Africa and Asia.

Chameleons: Madagascar’s Most Iconic Lizards

Madagascar is a global hotspot for chameleons, with nearly half of the world’s species found on the island. These distinctive lizards are known for their independently moving eyes, projectile tongues, and, in some species, the ability to change color. Chameleons are found in a range of habitats, from dense rainforests to arid scrublands.

Geckos: Diverse and Widespread

Geckos are another well-represented group of lizards in Madagascar. The island is home to neon-colored day geckos, which are active during the day, as well as the cryptic Uroplatus, or leaf-tailed geckos, which rely on their bark-like appearance to remain hidden from predators.

Skinks: Adaptable and Abundant

Madagascar’s skinks belong to several genera and thrive in a variety of environments. These smooth-scaled lizards are often ground-dwelling, foraging for insects and other small prey. Some species have reduced limbs, resembling serpentine movements as they navigate through leaf litter.

Iguanids: Madagascar’s Unique Representatives

While iguanas are most commonly associated with the Americas, Madagascar has its own representatives of the iguanid family. The island’s iguanids are primarily arboreal, living in forested habitats and feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Notable Absences: No Agamas or Monitors

Unlike mainland Africa and Asia, Madagascar has no native agama lizards or monitor lizards. This absence highlights the island’s unique evolutionary trajectory, shaped by millions of years of isolation.