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The unique features of the various types of Madagascar reptiles have earned the country worldwide fame. The presence of a wide range of Madagascar reptiles has resulted in pet trade that is distributed all over the world. That along with factors make the reptiles an endangered species of the country. Some of the species of tortoises, chameleons and geckos that inhabit the island are extremely rare and are specific only to Madagascar.
Madagascar contains above 300 reptile species almost 90% of which are native to the country. Out of 64 genera, 36 are found only in Madagascar and are not present anywhere else on earth. Madagascar reptiles comprises snakes, crocodiles, turtles, lizards and tortoises. Unusual and singular in their characteristics and behavior the reptiles of Madagascar do not include pythons, poisonous snakes and a few other types and species.
One of the most popular reptiles in Madagascar is the lizard. The various kinds of lizards found in Madagascar are Geckos, Chameleons, Skinks and Iguanids. Presently the country is home to four tortoise species. All the tortoises of Madagascar are native to the island and some are extremely rare. The most popular and biggest tortoise is the Angonoka.
Madagascar houses above 80 snake species. Snakes present in Madagascar only include boas and colubrids. There are no cobras, pythons, adders, vipers or mambas. Amongst the crocodiles, the Nile crocodile is the most popular and they live in freshwater regions of Madagascar. Once found in large numbers these crocodiles today have become one of the most endangered species of Madagascar.
The Madagascar reptiles are an important aspect of the wildlife of the country contributing to the ecological system of the island and giving Madagascar its uniqueness.
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