Madagascar Reference Libraries
The black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) is one of the two species of ruffed lemurs. Like all lemurs, it is native only to Madagascar. Black-and-white ruffed lemurs can grow up to 2 ft long. They are typically a little smaller, and about 7 to 10 lb. Their lifespan in captivity is about 18 years but many live to 20. Black-and-white ruffed lemurs are black with white areas on...
The Crowned Lemur (Eulemur coronatus) is a lemur that is 13 inches (33 cm) long and weighs 4.41 lbs (2 kg). The Crowned Lemur is endemic to Madagascar. It mostly eats fruit. The population is estimated to 1000 to 10,000 individuals, most of which live on the Ankarana Plateau. This member of the Eulemur genus is primarily diurnal.
Goodman's Mouse Lemur (Microcebus lehilahytsara) is a species of mouse lemur from Andasibe in eastern Madagascar. It is thought to have diverged from other mouse lemurs in the region about 2 million years ago. The species is named in honor of primatologist Steve Goodman. The finding was presented August 10, 2005, along with the discovery of the Northern Giant Mouse Lemur Mirza zaza as a...
The Radiated Tortoise, Geochelone radiata, is a species of tortoise in the genus Geochelone. Although native to southern Madagascar, it has been introduced to the rest of the country and also the islands of Reunion and Mauritius. These tortoises are herbivores and 80 to 90% of their diet is from grazing. It is considered one of the most beautiful tortoises in the world. It is also...
The Madagascar Big-headed Turtle inhabits permanent slow moving rivers and lakes in Western Madagascar. It is listed as the thirteenth most endangered turtle in the world. These turtles are disappearing due to loss of habitat from land development and over fishing due to the fact that they easily get caught by nets, fish traps and fishing lines. Also they are commonly eaten for food by the...
The Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) is a member of the pelican family. It is a resident breeder in Africa, southern Arabia and Madagascar in swamps and shallow lakes. The nest is built with a large heap of sticks, into which 2-3 large white eggs are laid. The chicks feed by plunging their heads deep into the adult's pouch and taking the partially digested regurgitated fish. This...
The Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) is a large cockroach which is originally from the island of Madagascar off the African coast. They are large and wingless and grow up to 2.5" in length and are brown to black in color. The insect makes a hissing sound for communication. They can live up to two years. It is a very popular pet because of its hissing sound and large...
Barbour's day gecko (Phelsuma barbouri LOVERIDGE 1942) is a species of geckos that is diurnal and lives in central Madagascar. It typically dwells on rocks and feeds on insects and nectar. Description This lizard is a middle sized day gecko, reaching a total length of about 13.5 cm. The body color is brownish green or dark green. Both a dark brown dorso-lateral and a lateral stripe extend...
Chameleons are small to mid-size reptiles that belong to one of the best known lizard families (Chamaeleonidae). They are famous for their ability to change their color also because of their elongated tongue and their eyes which can be moved independently of each other. The name "Chameleon" means "earth lion" and is derived from the Greek words chamai (on the ground, on the earth) and leon...
The Flat-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma serraticauda) is a diurnal gecko that is found in eastern Madagascar. It typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees and feeds on insects and nectar. Description The male lizard can reach an average total length of about 13 cm whereas females are slightly smaller. Some males may even reach a length of 15 cm. The body color is dark green or...
