Oplurus cyclurus
—
Merrem’s Madagascar Swift
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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.
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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