Lemuria Land II: The Reptiles

Some other amazing residents of Madagascar

In addition to several kinds of lemurs, Lemuria Land in Madagascar also hosted a bunch of interesting reptiles. Just look at the intense colors on this gorgeous panther chameleon.

Another type of panther chameleon was a bit more difficult to spot, but also quite striking. Madagascar is home to a whole rainbow of panther chameleons.

Bob hung out with Napoleon, the park’s 215-year-old Seychelles giant tortoise. Napoleon weighs about 660 pounds! The “smaller” female tortoise on the right is, of course, Josephine. She’s still an ingenue at a mere 85 years old.

Lemuria Land had many younger and smaller tortoises as well. All three of the species below are native to Madagascar, and the final two are found nowhere else. All three species are critically endangered. First up, some baby radiated tortoises eat lunch.

Next is an angonoka tortoise, also known as a ploughshare tortoise. The image below might appear to show this male’s tail, but actually this is his front side and his head is tucked in. The tongue-depressor projection you see is used to fight (and flip!) other males during mating season.

Finally below we have a spider tortoise.