Buzz
Situated just off the eastern coast of Africa, Madagascar is home to an astonishing range of wildlife, with most species unique to the island. Around 250,000 animal species thrive there—70 percent of them are endemic—and many are currently endangered. While the island’s wildlife was brought to life by the Disney movie, the real-life creatures of Madagascar are far more incredible than any animated version.
10. Leaf-Tailed Geckos
Leaf-tailed geckos are truly a sight to behold, though spotting them in the wild can be tricky. They’re exceptional at blending in with their environment, each species employing its own unique method of camouflage—some mimic the appearance of rotting leaves, while others resemble tree bark. Their coloring and light-bending features make them nearly invisible during the day. There are over 10 species of leaf-tailed geckos, all native to Madagascar and its neighboring islands. The largest of them, also the second-largest gecko in the world, is the Uroplatus giganteus, which uses its ability to alter its color and the skin flaps on its legs, body, and neck to blend seamlessly with tree branches.
9. Comet Moths
Comet moths, also known as Madagascan moon moths, are some of the largest silk moths on the planet. Their vibrant wings can stretch up to 20 centimeters (eight inches) across, while their signature tails can grow as long as 15 centimeters (six inches). The upside for those who aren’t fond of moths is that once these creatures reach adulthood, they cannot feed and only live for a brief span of four to five days. The downside, however, is that they can start reproducing as soon as they emerge from their cocoons, with females capable of laying up to 170 eggs. The larvae feed on fresh eucalyptus leaves, and their pupation period lasts anywhere from two to six months; their cocoons have small openings to allow for drainage, keeping them safe from flooding in Madagascar's rainy forests.
8. Tomato Frogs
Tomato frogs are stealthy hunters, native only to the wetter, northern regions of Madagascar. Their primary diet consists of insects, though they will eat anything they can manage to swallow. Despite being frogs with smooth skin, they also share several characteristics with toads: their feet are not webbed, they possess smooth pads on their toes, and when threatened, they can release a potent, latex-like toxin, much like toads do. The females are known for their bright, vibrant coloration, which gives them their name, while the males are a more muted brown.
7. Aye-Ayes
Though their name might suggest they belong to pirates, aye-ayes are unique to Madagascar. These nocturnal primates are perfectly suited to life among the trees, with opposable big toes and tails longer than their bodies that allow them to hang from branches with ease. Most astonishingly, aye-ayes are the only primates to use echolocation to locate their food. They tap on tree trunks with their long middle fingers, listening for the sound of wood-boring insect larvae, and then use that same finger to extract them. Their large ears and wide eyes may aid in hunting, but their strange looks and behaviors have made them a symbol of bad luck to the people of Madagascar. Like many other species on the island, they are now considered endangered.
6. Aquatic Tenrecs
Aquatic tenrecs are some of the most elusive creatures on Earth. Found in only 10 locations across Madagascar, these small, rat-like animals grow to just 17 centimeters (6.7 inches) in length, making them difficult to spot. While there are several tenrec species on the island, aquatic tenrecs are distinguished by their aquatic adaptations: powerful hind-limb muscles and webbed feet, which make them well-suited for swimming in the waters of Eastern Madagascar. They hunt in shallow waters for insects and tadpoles, using the sensitive whiskers on their snouts to feel along the bottom. When they find their prey, they bring it to the surface, roll onto their backs, and subdue it with powerful kicks from their hind legs.
5. Panther Chameleons
Like other chameleons, panther chameleons can change their colors based on their mood, but these particular chameleons are known for their striking, vibrant hues, especially the males during mating season. In fact, it’s even possible to identify where a panther chameleon is from by its coloration; for example, males from the northwest coast are often referred to as 'pink panthers' because they have bright pink bodies with a yellow-white stripe running along their sides. But it’s not just their colors that make them fascinating. Panther chameleons can rotate and focus their eyes independently of each other, allowing them to watch two different objects at the same time. When they spot prey, they will swivel their head to focus both eyes on their target before launching their long, sticky tongue. The tongue’s suction effect, combined with its inherent stickiness, ensures that nothing can escape once it’s caught.
4. Madagascar Pochards
Madagascar pochards hold the title of being the rarest ducks in the world. These medium-sized diving ducks are known for feeding on invertebrates, seeds, and aquatic plants, and can remain submerged for up to two minutes. However, up until 2006, they were thought to be extinct, until a small population of 22 individuals was rediscovered on Lake Matsaborimena.
Thanks to an extensive breeding program that began in 2009, the pochard population has grown by four times, with captive-bred ducklings being released back into the wild. Yet, the species still faces challenges. Lake Matsaborimena is far from an ideal habitat, and there are worries that food resources may not be sufficient to support all of the young ducks.
3. Darwin’s Bark Spiders
Kevlar is tough, right? Well, compared to the silk of the Darwin’s bark spider, Kevlar seems more like tissue paper. This spider’s silk, recently discovered, is 10 times stronger than Kevlar and twice as tough as any silk previously known. As a result, their webs can grow to enormous sizes; orb webs can span up to three square meters (roughly 30 square feet) and are often suspended across rivers or streams as wide as 25 meters (80 feet). Some webs have even been found with over 30 prey insects, mainly mayflies, trapped in them. The incredible strength and size of the webs allow them to be built in places where no other spider could survive, reducing competition for food and space. Not bad for a species where the females are only about 2.5 centimeters (one inch) long, and the males are just a quarter of that size.
2. Malagasy Leaf-Nosed Snakes
Most of Madagascar’s snakes are unique to the island, but few are as visually unusual as the Malagasy leaf-nosed snakes. These snakes, which prefer to hang out on branches high in the trees, feature strange nasal protrusions extending from their faces. Malagasy leaf-nosed snakes display notable sexual dimorphism; females have more elaborate, serrated nasal protrusions, while the males’ appendages are longer and pointier. These features are present from birth and are not believed to be used for mating signals. Instead, they likely serve as camouflage, as these snakes often ambush their prey. When they remain motionless, their nasal appendages mimic the appearance of leaves or the seed pods of native Madagascan plants, allowing them to blend in and remain unnoticed by the arboreal lizards they prey on until it's too late.
1. Fossas
Is it a dog? Is it a cat? No, it’s a fossa, one of the rare predators that call Madagascar home. For a long time, fossas were mistaken for felines, but in reality, they belong to the mongoose family. Their odd appearance may have contributed to the confusion. With dog-like snouts and sleek, cat-like bodies, fossas are the island’s largest mammalian predators, growing as long as two meters (6.5 feet) from nose to the tip of their tail. These nocturnal hunters rely heavily on lemurs for food, but their diet also includes reptiles, birds, small mammals, and even livestock. Their remarkable agility, aided by long tails for balance and retractable claws to keep them sharp, helps fossas swiftly navigate through trees. Unfortunately, these creatures are becoming rarer due to human hunting for livestock attacks and the loss of 90 percent of their natural habitat.
