Madagascar girdled lizard
A species of Zonosaur Scientific name : Zonosaurus madagascariensis Genus : Zonosaur
Madagascar girdled lizard, A species of Zonosaur
Scientific name: Zonosaurus madagascariensis
Genus: Zonosaur
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Madagascar girdled lizard or Madagascar plated lizard (Zonosaurus madagascariensis) is a species of lizard in the family Gerrhosauridae. It is found in Madagascar, some outlying islands (Nosy Be and the nearby islands; Grande Glorieuse) and the Seychelles (Cosmoledo). This generally common lizard is found in a range of habitat types, including open and degraded humid forest at mid and low altitudes. It also occurs in plantations. On Cosmoledo, it occurs in open shrubland.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
Madagascar girdled lizard is primarily herbivorous, with a preference for succulent plants and leaves. It has also been noted to consume fruits, tender stems, and occasionally small invertebrates - a supplement to its plant-based diet.
Appearance
Madagascar girdled lizard is a medium-sized lizard featuring scales with a rough texture. Its body shape is heavily built, robust and broad. It has a prominent crest of sharp dorsal spines running from head to tail, providing it a unique look. Mostly, these lizards bear a tan or brown color with darker crossbands across their body. One intriguing aspect of their look is their long, prehensile tail.
Behavior
Madagascar girdled lizard is a diurnally active reptile noted for burrow-dwelling behaviors to escape predators and heat. This species is solitary, showing territoriality with visual displays when faced with intruders. Madagascar girdled lizard's notable survival adaptation is its robust build and strong claws, accomplishing both foraging and defensive goals.
Population
Stable
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Plated lizards Genus
Zonosaur Species
Madagascar girdled lizard