Inventories at
MasoalaNational Park
have revealed sixty-nine species of reptiles, including some species unique to the
area.
The chameleons are especially well known for three
characteristics. First, chameleons are able to move their eyes independently to
look in all directions without moving their heads! This very peculiar system of
vision enables them to aim at their prey with precision. When a chameleon
locates a tasty insect, it uses its very long tongue to capture it. The tongue
can extend to be longer than the chameleon itself. Chameleons are perhaps best
known for their ability to change color for camouflage, or as a means of
communication during social exchanges (either confrontational or as mating
displays).
Several snake species are also present at Masoala, but they
do not pose a threat to people. One beautiful type of snake is the Malagasy
tree boa, which chokes its prey.
The genusPhelsuma comprises the day geckos, the
emblematic reptile species of Madagascar.
The geckos are generally recognizable by their brilliant green colors and red
spots.
The leaf-tailed gecko, or Uroplatus fimbriatus, is an endemic species that can be seen easily on Nosy Mangabe. The Uroplatus is the largest nocturnal gecko in the world. It protects itself from predators with its tree-colored camouflage