Madagascar is full of wildlife found only on the East African island. The real creatures are even more interesting than their animated versions in Disney’s Madagascar.
9. Giraffe Weevil
Giraffe weevil (Shutterstock)
The males, with their abnormally long necks, use their extended reach to attack other males during mating season. The shorter-necked females roll up a leaf to make a tube nest for their single egg. The giraffe weevil’s neck can grow up to about an inch long. Its bright-red back is about as eye-catching as its neck.
8. Flat-Tailed Geckos
Flat-Tailed Geckos (Shutterstock)
This gecko is a master of camouflage. It is nearly impossible to spot, since it can mimic its surroundings very well. There are more than 10 species of flat-tailed geckos on the island of Madagascar. Another special feature this gecko displays, and the one for which it is named, is its flat tail that looks just like a leaf.
7. Comet Moths
Comet Moth (Shutterstock)
This moth is also known as a Madagascan moon moth. Its tail can grow up to 6 inches, while its wing span can reach up to 8 inches. It only lives about five days, but it can begin reproducing as soon as it emerges from the cocoon.
6. Tomato Frogs
Tomato Frog (Shutterstock)
The tomato frog is only found in the northern part of Madagascar. It is notorious for eating any living thing that fits in its mouth. Its feet are not webbed, as many frogs’ are, and it can excrete poison when threatened. Only the females have the red coloring. The males are rather dull-looking in comparison.
5. Ringed-Tailed Lemur
Ringed- Tailed Lemur (Shutterstock)
The ringed-tailed lemur is currently an endangered species, because of its quickly vanishing forest habitat. This lemur loves to spend most of its time on the ground, which is very unusual. It also does not have enough power to grip tree branches with its tail. It loves fruits, which make up the majority of its diet, but it also eats tree leaves and insects.
This lemur communicates by excreting a strong, unique odor. This odor can also be used as a weapon. During the mating season, the lemur will emit a strong scent on its tail to help a mate smell it out.
Ring-tailed lemurs live in groups known as troops. A troop contains 6 to 30 animals and troops are ruled by dominant females.
4. Lowland Tenrecs
Lowland Tenrecs (Shutterstock)
This awkward-looking animal resembles a hedgehog mixed with a shrew mixed, but with yellow and black stripes. It has strong feet for digging earthworms and insects. It communicates using touch, smell, and sound. For example, tenrecs touch each other’s noses or squeak to communicate. The most interesting feature of this animal is an insect-like ability to communicate by rubbing its quills together, creating high-pitched sounds. When it is agitated, it may head butt, stomp the ground, or make crunching noises.
3. Panther Chameleons
Panther Chameleons (Shutterstock)
The panther chameleon changes color according to its mood, but the colors it displays are extremely flamboyant. From its color expressions it is possible to tell where on the island the chameleon comes from. In the northwest region, for example, males are usually bright pink with yellow-white stripes. This chameleon is able to move both of its eyes independently, until it has spotted a prey, then both of eyes will be locked onto the prey before unleashing its ultra-sticky tongue.
2. Fossas
Fossa (Shutterstock)
The fossa is one of main predators in Madagascar. It is part of the mongoose family. It can reach up to 6.5 feet from its head to the tip of its tail. The fossa’s appearance is unique; it has a cat-like body with a dog-like snout. It is a nocturnal creature. Its claws are retractable, and it is very agile while moving through the forest. It mainly eats lemurs, but sometimes attacks livestock as well.
1. Malagasy Leaf-Nosed Snakes
Malagasy Leaf-Nosed Snakes (Shutterstock)
This snake likes to hang around in the trees. Its long nose is believed to be used for camouflaging before it ambushes its prey. It can trick the prey to thinking it is a leaf or seed pod. The females have more serrated noses, which the males have longer noses.
