MADAGASCAN Tropical & Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forest
Reptiles

The diverse and unique reptiles of the Madagascan rainforest...

Family Gekkonidae

Uroplatus spp., 'Flat-tailed Geckos', 'Madagascan Leaf-tailed Geckos'

The genus name translates as 'flat-tail'. They are all endemic to the forests of Madagascar. There are more species than previously thought; some can only be distinguished in the field by the colour and patterns in their large eyeballs.

 They are nocturnal, and by day they rest camouflaged against tree trunks, usually upside down.

Uroplatus fimbriatus, 'Common Leaf/Flat-tailed Gecko'. Endemic to rainforests of eastern Madagascar.

Family Gerrhosauridae: Plated Lizards

Family Chamaeleonidae

Chameleons are found across the tropics of Asia and Africa, with the centre of diversity in Madagascar.

Furcifer pardalis, 'Panther Chameleon'. Across its range this species varies in pattern and colour. It is found in and around forest in northern Madagascar. 

Brookesia spp. 'Leaf Chameleons'

Tiny chameleons that live in the leaf litter of the rainforest.

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