Brookesia minima Chameleon , smallest species in the world!
Brookesia chameleons are some of the world's smallest reptiles—one species reaches a maximum length of just over an inch (30 mm). Also known as stumped-tailed or leaf chameleons, these diminutive creatures are found in the leaf litter of rainforests and dry deciduous forests in much of Madagascar.
Brookesia feed on small insects and rely on their cyptic coloration to evade predators. When disturbed, these chameleons will play dead in an effort to resemble a fallen leaf.
Brookesia are easiest to find at night when they sleep on the leaves of small shrubs.
Madagascar is home to about half the world's 150 or so species of chameleons, which are small to mid-size reptiles that are famous for their ability to dramatically change colors. Contrary to popular belief, a chameleon typically does not change colors to match its surroundings. Instead color is usually used to convey emotions, defend territories, and communicate with mates.
Spear Nosed Snake Langaha madagascariensis
Madagascar is home to more than 80 species of snakes, none of which are overtly dangerous to humans. The island has no adders, cobras, mambas, pythons, or vipers—only boas and colubrids.
The only terrestrial venemous snakes in Madagascar are rear-fanged, capable of inflicting a painful bite but unlikely to do much harm unless they are able to chew on an appendage (allowing venom to be injected and causing swelling and possible paralysis). In the ocean there are two non-aggressive, but highly venemous sea snakes: the hook-nosed sea snake (Enhydrina schistosa) and the yellow-bellied sea snake (Pelamis platurus). What this all means is you have very little to fear when walking through the bush of Madagascar.
The presence of boas in Madagascar is somewhat remarkable given that their closest relatives are found in the South Pacific and the Amazon Basin. Boas are constrictors that strangle their prey.
One interesting snake in Madagascar that is greatly feared by local people is the harmless "fandrefiala" (Ithcyphus miniatus). The Malagasy believe this arboreal snake drops tail-first from trees while stiffening its body like a spear to stab people or Zebu cattle passing below. Another bizarre snake is the spear-nosed snake, Langaha madagascariensis, which mimics a twig with its unusual nasal appendage.
Brookesia chameleons are some of the world's smallest reptiles—one species reaches a maximum length of just over an inch (30 mm). Also known as stumped-tailed or leaf chameleons, these diminutive creatures are found in the leaf litter of rainforests and dry deciduous forests in much of Madagascar.
Brookesia feed on small insects and rely on their cyptic coloration to evade predators. When disturbed, these chameleons will play dead in an effort to resemble a fallen leaf.
Brookesia are easiest to find at night when they sleep on the leaves of small shrubs.
Madagascar is home to about half the world's 150 or so species of chameleons, which are small to mid-size reptiles that are famous for their ability to dramatically change colors. Contrary to popular belief, a chameleon typically does not change colors to match its surroundings. Instead color is usually used to convey emotions, defend territories, and communicate with mates.
Spear Nosed Snake Langaha madagascariensis
Madagascar is home to more than 80 species of snakes, none of which are overtly dangerous to humans. The island has no adders, cobras, mambas, pythons, or vipers—only boas and colubrids.
The only terrestrial venemous snakes in Madagascar are rear-fanged, capable of inflicting a painful bite but unlikely to do much harm unless they are able to chew on an appendage (allowing venom to be injected and causing swelling and possible paralysis). In the ocean there are two non-aggressive, but highly venemous sea snakes: the hook-nosed sea snake (Enhydrina schistosa) and the yellow-bellied sea snake (Pelamis platurus). What this all means is you have very little to fear when walking through the bush of Madagascar.
The presence of boas in Madagascar is somewhat remarkable given that their closest relatives are found in the South Pacific and the Amazon Basin. Boas are constrictors that strangle their prey.
One interesting snake in Madagascar that is greatly feared by local people is the harmless "fandrefiala" (Ithcyphus miniatus). The Malagasy believe this arboreal snake drops tail-first from trees while stiffening its body like a spear to stab people or Zebu cattle passing below. Another bizarre snake is the spear-nosed snake, Langaha madagascariensis, which mimics a twig with its unusual nasal appendage.