Reptiles of Madagascar

Madagascar is home to more than 300 species of reptiles of which more than 90 percent are endemic (36 of the 64 genera found on the island are also found nowhere else). Madagascar's reptile fauna includes lizards, snakes, turtles and tortoises, and crocodiles.

Reptile species counts
for selected parks
according to ANGAP:

Protected Area		Species
Masoala		60
Montagne d'Ambre		59
Bemaraha		50
Kirindy Mitea		50
Marojejy		49
Andasibe Mantadia		39
Ranomafana		36
Andringitra		34
Tsimanampetsotsa		34
Isalo		33
Zombitse-Vohibasia		33
Namoroka		30
Maningoza		27
Bemarivo		24
Kasijy		22
Ambohijanahary		21
Marotandrano		16
Ankarana		15
Bora		15

Madagascar's reptiles are as unusual as they are unique. The island lacks pythons, which are found in nearby Africa and throughout Asia, along with front-fanged venomous snakes. Equally strange, Madagascar's iguanid lizards and boas have their closest relatives in South America.

The uniqueness of the island's reptiles has resulted in widespread collecting for the exotic-pet trade. Some species of chameleons, geckos, and tortoises are threatened due to unsustainable collection.

LIZARDS

Geckos {Day geckos | Uroplatus | Other geckos}

Chameleons {True chameleons | Brookesia chameleons}

Skinks

Iguanids

TURTLES & TORTOISES

SNAKES

CROCODILES

REPTILE PICTURES