Durrell’s Vontsira

Mammals > Carnivorans

Durrell’s Vontsira (Salanoia durrelli) is one of the newest and most critically endangered mammalian carnivores discovered on Earth. First observed swimming in Lake Alaotra by conservationists in 2004 and formally described in 2010, this semi-aquatic euplerid is...

Madagascan Sand Iguana

Reptiles > Lizards

The Madagascan Sand Iguana (Chalarodon madagascariensis), known locally as the dangalia, is a spirited, ground-dwelling lizard endemic to the sun-scorched spiny forests and coastal dune corridors of southwestern Madagascar. Belonging to the family Opluridae—the only...

Malagasy Giant Chameleon

Reptiles > Chameleons

The Malagasy Giant Chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti), also known as Oustalet’s Chameleon, reigns as one of the colossal giants of the reptile world, rivaling the Parson’s chameleon for the title of the longest chameleon on Earth with males stretching over two...

Giant Fossa

Mammals > Carnivores

The Giant Fossa (Cryptoprocta spelaea), also celebrated as the Cave Fossa, was the colossal, apex mammalian predator of prehistoric Madagascar. Subfossil bones discovered in limestone caverns reveal that this formidable feliform carnivore grew to more than twice the...

Giant Leaf-tailed Gecko

Reptiles > Geckos & Lizards

The Giant Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) is widely acclaimed as Mother Nature’s undisputed master of camouflage. Reaching an astounding 13 inches in length as the second-largest living gecko species, this nocturnal wonder of Madagascar’s...