Oplurus cyclurus
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Merrem’s Madagascar Swift
![Merrem’s Madagascar Swift (Oplurus cyclurus)](../images/herps/standard/230511079L.jpeg)
![Merrem’s Madagascar Swift (Oplurus cyclurus)](../images/herps/standard/230511027L.jpeg)
![Merrem’s Madagascar Swift (Oplurus cyclurus)](../images/herps/standard/230511031L.jpeg)
![Merrem’s Madagascar Swift (Oplurus cyclurus)](../images/herps/standard/230511092L.jpeg)
![Merrem’s Madagascar Swift (Oplurus cyclurus)](../images/herps/standard/230511049L.jpeg)
![Merrem’s Madagascar Swift (Oplurus cyclurus)](../images/herps/standard/230511019L.jpeg)
This species is similar to Oplurus cuvieri, but has a narrower black "collar" and a different arrangement of spiky scales on the tail. These are typically found in drier environments than O. cuvieri, but in some places they are both present.
Here is a list of all the reptiles and frogs I saw on this 2023 trip to Madagascar.
![Merrem’s Madagascar Swift (Oplurus cyclurus)](../images/herps/standard/230515044L.jpeg)
![Merrem’s Madagascar Swift (Oplurus cyclurus)](../images/herps/standard/230515045L.jpeg)
This was the third most common lizard basking along the sandy trails through this reserve, after Chalarodon madagascariensis and Tracheloptychus petersi.
Online references:
- Oplurus cyclurus account on The Reptile Database
- Oplurus cyclurus account on iNaturalist
Printed references:
- Glaw, F., Vences, M. 2007. A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar, Third Edition