Chameleon predators

Most of what is known about the predators of Madagascan chameleons comes from anecdotal reports rather than systematic research. We, too, occasionally observe chameleons falling prey to other animals in the wild in Madagascar. In 2009, Jenkins, Rabearivony, and Rakotomanana published the only review on the subject to date¹ We have compiled this article to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the predators of Malagasy chameleons. It is currently believed that, in Madagascar, chameleons are primarily preyed upon by birds and snakes.

Birds

Birds are the main predators of Malagasy chameleons. Other predators are far less numerous. Countless observations report a wide variety of bird species that occasionally or even regularly prey on chameleons.

Diurnal Birds of Prey

Zeichnung eines Eutriorchis astur (Geckoweih).

Drawing of an Eutriorchis astur – there are only very few photos available worldwide

Among birds, two birds of prey are particularly noteworthy: the Madagascar Serpent Eagle (Eutriorchis astur) and the Banded Kestrel. Chameleons appear to make up a very large proportion of the diet of both of these species. Both hunt primarily in tree canopies, which makes chameleons—as tree-dwelling creatures—ideal prey. During the rainy-season breeding season, researchers observed that nearly 50% of the Serpent Eagle’s prey consisted of chameleons.². Madgascar Serpent Eagle They usually perch on a high branch and survey their surroundings from there. When they spot worthwhile prey, they fly toward it and seize it with their powerful talons. In the process, they usually pierce and kill chameleons. Carrying their prey, the Serpent Eagles fly back to their vantage point to eat it piece by piece. They primarily bring decapitated reptiles back to the nest for the chicks. Incidentally, the Serpent Eagle leads a very secretive life, and only a few places in Madagascar allow it to be observed. Since its population is shrinking rapidly, this bird of prey is now considered critically endangered.

In some parts of Madagascar, the Banded Kestrel (Falco zoniventris) was once thought to hunt exclusively chameleons. In the Masoala rainforest, chameleons do in fact make up as much as 50% of the Banded Kestrel’s diet.³ Whether in Ifaty in southwestern Madagascar or Marojejy in the northeast of the island, Banded Kestrels have been observed feeding on chameleons everywhere.⁴ ⁵ In fact, studies of stomach contents conducted nearly 90 years ago already reported that chameleons were preyed upon by the Banded Kestrel in northeastern Madagascar.⁶ However, observations from other regions of Madagascar suggest that chameleons are only a small part of the Banded Kestrel’s very wide range of potential prey.⁷ It appears that, depending on availability, this bird of prey may feed more on insects, more on chameleons and geckos, or more on small birds. For this reason, the Banded Kestrel is no longer considered an exclusively chameleon-eating species. Due to its vast range, the Banded Kestrel is not considered endangered. It is regularly sighted in Madagascar.

Chameleons are strongly suspected to be among the potential prey of Frances’ Sparrowhawk (Tachyspiza francesii). Studies have shown that up to 42% of its prey consists of reptiles. Unfortunately, these were not further identified—chameleons could very well have been among them. To date, a chameleon has been found in the stomach of a Frances’ Sparrowhawk only once, although in the same study, none of the other Frances’ Sparrowhawks examined had eaten chameleons.⁸

The Madagascar cuckoo-hawk (Aviceda madagascariensis) is also believed to feed on chameleons. This assumption is based on studies of stomach contents, which revealed chameleons in nearly three-quarters of the birds examined.⁹ Recent studies have not yet been able to confirm this through observations. It is therefore still unclear whether this is a chance finding or whether the cuckoo-hawk really does catch a large portion of its prey among chameleons.

The Madagascar Buzzard (Buteo brachypterus) is found in nearly all habitats in Madagascar. In the Analalava rainforest near Mahavelona on the east coast, researchers observed a Madagascar Buzzard decapitating a chameleon and eating its head. The bird of prey then carried the chameleon’s body back to its nest to feed it to two chicks.¹⁰ Additional Madagascar Buzzards were observed in a long-term study in Masoala. About 11% of their prey consisted of chameleons.¹¹ At the beginning of the 20th century, scientists arrived at a slightly higher estimate after discovering that about 20% of the contents of dead Buzzards’ stomachs consisted of chameleons.¹² Further observations from Ankarafantsika indicate that more than 17 skulls of killed Furcifer oustaleti were found in a single Madagascar Buzzard’s nest.¹³

The Madagascar harrier (Circus macrosceles) feeds on chameleons in Ambohitantely in the northern highlands only to a very small extent.¹⁴ The Madagascar harrier-hawk (Polyboroides radiatus) appears to hunt chameleons just as rarely in Berenty, in the far southeast of the island. In one study, Furcifer major accounted for only 0.1% of the prey brought to the nest by the breeding partner.¹⁵

Nocturnal birds of prey

Nocturnal birds of prey, particularly owls, seem to prey on chameleons only rarely—presumably because chameleons sleep at night and, when motionless, are harder to spot as prey.

To date, the remains of chameleons have been found only once in the pellets of the barn owl (Tyto alba)—even though the species is found in areas with very high chameleon populations, such as the east coast of Madagascar. The single specimen in question was likely a young Furcifer verrucosus or a Furcifer major that had been captured during the rainy season in Beza-Mahafaly in southwestern Madagascar.¹⁶

The relatively small White-browed Owl (Athene superciliaris), which is found in nearly all of Madagascar’s coastal regions, has also been documented only once so far as having consumed a chameleon.[mn]Rand, A.L. (1936): The distribution and habits of the Madagascar birds. A summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499. Download[/mfn]

The Madagascar Scops Owl (Otus rutilus), another fairly common species, was observed only once while feeding on a small chameleon of the genus Calumma in Andohahela.¹⁷

Vangas

The songbirds known as vangas are found only in Madagascar and the neighboring Comoros. Like Darwin’s finches on the Galápagos Islands, they have evolved over centuries into numerous species that occupy specific ecological niches. Today, there are 39 species, which could hardly look more different from one another.

A hook-billed vanga in Ankarafantsika in western Madagascar

Hook-billed Vangas (Vanga curvirostris) appear to regularly eat chameleons. They catch the chameleons with their beaks and then slam them against a branch to kill them. In Manantantely in southeastern Madagascar, it has been observed on several occasions that Hook-billed Vangas wedge dead chameleons headfirst into forked branches to make it easier to tear them apart.¹⁸ An observational study of Hook-billed Vangas in Ankarafantsika in northwestern Madagascar found that chameleons accounted for just over 10% of their prey.¹⁹. Adult birds fed their chicks in the nest with Furcifer oustaleti, Furcifer rhinoceratus, and Brookesia decaryi—that is, all of the more common species found in the local dry forest. In addition, the Hook-billed Vangas fed their chicks many small pieces of meat that had already been shredded; the authors speculate that a significant portion of this might also have consisted of chameleons. An older study found chameleons in the majority of the Hook-billed Vanga stomachs examined from northern Madagascar.²⁰

In stark contrast, the White-capped Vanga (Artamella viridis) appears to prey on chameleons only when the opportunity arises. ²¹

A White-capped Vanga in Kirindy

Several sightings of Helmet Vangas (Euryceros prevostii) have been reported from the Masoala rainforest, where leaf chameleons—presumably Brookesia griveaudi—were either fed to chicks or eaten by adult birds themselves.²²²³ Overall, however, chameleons accounted for only slightly more than 1% of the diet of the Helmet Vanguas observed—insects were the most common prey.

Ground rollers

Leaf chameleons are generally less likely to fall prey to birds. But even these small and inconspicuous chameleons are repeatedly attacked and eaten by birds searching for food in the foliage. The Short-legged ground roller (Brachypteracias leptosomus) was observed in the Masoala rainforest feeding on leaf chameleons of the genus Brookesia in about 7% of cases.²⁴. Medium-sized chameleons and their young accounted for less than 1% of their diet. On the central east coast, chameleons were also found in the stomachs of Short-legged ground rollers.²⁵

The Scaly ground roller (Geobiastes squamiger) was also spotted in Masoala feeding on leaf chameleons.²⁶ Both species of ground rollers move primarily along the ground, keeping a close watch for even the slightest movements in the leaf litter. When they spot potential prey, they sprint to the spot and use their beaks to turn over leaves until they find it.

A third species of ground rollers that hunts chameleons is the Pitta-like ground roller (Atelornis pittoides). However, it feeds primarily on insects and only occasionally catches a leaf chameleon.²⁷.

Schuppen-Erdracke mit einem Frosch als Beute im Regenwald

Blaukopf-Erdracke in Mantadia im zentralen Osten Madagaskars

Bindenerdracke, ebenfalls in Mantadia fotografiert

Couas

Couas are endemic to Madagascar and a popular subject for birdwatchers to photograph. They are considered omnivores, so chameleons should be on the menu for quite a few species. In fact, however, only two of the nine currently known species are known to eat chameleons.

One of these is the Crested Coua (Coua cristata), which lives in the arid western region of Madagascar. Researchers have observed this beautiful bird carrying chameleons in its beak.²⁸ On another occasion, a Crested Coua in Ankarafantsika ate a female Furcifer oustaleti.²⁹ It was observed how the bird literally pecked the chameleon off the branch, then picked it up from the ground and ate it.

The second chameleon-eater among the silk cuckoos is the Blue Coua (Coua caerulea). An individual of this species was observed in the Andohahela rainforest in southeastern Madagascar holding a small Calumma species in its beak and feeding it to its mate.³⁰ An older report also confirms that Blue Couas occasionally prey on small chameleons.³¹

Other Birds

At first glance, the Cuckoo-roller (Leptosomus discolor)—a bird resembling a ground roller — would seem predestined to eat small terrestrial chameleons from time to time, just like ground rollers do. In reality, however, the Cuckoo-roller flies much more than Madagascar’s ground rollers and hunts primarily in the treetops. Only a single study, conducted many years ago, found medium-sized chameleons in over 20% of the birds examined.³² Since then, chameleons have been considered prey of the Cuckoo-roller in Madagascar, even though there have been no further sightings.

Corythornis madagascariensis in Analamazaotra

The Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher (Corythornis madagascariensis) seems rather unusual as a chameleon predator. This tiny, brightly colored kingfisher was once observed in Andohahela in southeastern Madagascar capturing a chameleon of the genus Calumma that was exactly as long as its own head and beak. The chameleon was killed by being struck against a branch and then strangled.³³

There is also only a single record of chameleons as prey for another water-associated bird, the White-throated rail (Dryolimnas cuvieri). This bird species lives in rainforests, mangroves, and swamps, as well as in rice paddies. They often wade through the water and peck at the shore with their beaks, which doesn’t really fit with chameleons as prey. Nevertheless, a report from a rainforest near Anjozorobe in the northern highlands of Madagascar describes a parent bird with chicks holding an adult Calumma gastrotaenia in its beak—a species very common in the area.³⁴

Snakes

Colubridae – typical snakes

Most of Madagascar’s snakes that prey on chameleons are colubrids. Almost all of them have fangs located far back in the upper jaw, roughly beneath the eyes. These are called opistoglyphous fangs. The venom’s effects on humans are not severe; for most snakes in Madagascar, symptoms are more like an insect bite, causing swelling and pain that lasts several hours. Only a few species that grow larger cause swelling and pain that lasts for days when they bite humans. Nevertheless, the venom of nearly all Madagascar colubrids is potent enough to kill small prey, such as chameleons, or at least immobilize them.

Night Snakes (Ithycyphus)

Ithycyphus perineti at Madagascar’s east coast

The genus Ithycyphus (a name that’s only unpronounceable at first glance) is endemic to Madagascar and comprises just five species. Three of them have already been observed feeding on chameleons, and the other two are suspected of doing so. All are diurnal and hunt chameleons directly in trees and on the ground.

In southwestern Madagascar, an Ithycyphus oursi was observed capturing a female Furcifer oustaleti.³⁵ The prey was paralyzed within a few minutes of being bitten by the snake. Although it took over an hour afterward, the snake was indeed able to swallow the large chameleon whole. Another Furcifer oustaleti had already been discovered in 1986 in the stomach of a snake of the same species.³⁶

Ithycyphus miniatus is also quite small, but certainly capable of overpowering small chameleons. This snake species is mainly found in northwestern Madagascar. Sightings on Nosy Komba confirm that it is a potential predator of chameleons.³⁷

Ithycyphus perineti, which is found on the east coast, has already been observed feeding on Calumma brevicorne.³⁸

Malagasy Cat-eyed Snakes (Madagascarophis)

A Madagascarophis colubrinus devours a dead panther chameleon in Akanin’ny Nofy

Madagascarophis meridionalis, a crepuscular and nocturnal snake native to south-western Madagascar, has been observed on several occasions preying on chameleons. It appears to have a broad prey range, including both reptiles and amphibians. Near Toliara, a snake of this species was observed devouring a Furcifer verrucosus.³⁹

Although it has been claimed time and again over the decades that the closely related species Madagascarophis colubrinus, which is found throughout Madagascar, feeds on chameleons, there has been only a single recorded instance of this – from Nosy Be – involving the consumption of a female Furcifer pardalis.⁴⁰ In 2026, we published an observation from Akanin’ny Nofy in which a Madagascarophis colubrinus was feeding on the carcass of a panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis).⁴¹ It was previously unknown that these snakes occasionally feed on carrion. Madagascarophis colubrinus possesses a weak neurotoxin, i.e., a poison that paralyses the nerves.⁴²

Big-eyed Snakes (Mimophis)

The genus Mimophis currently comprises only two species, one of which is native to the north and north-west of Madagascar, whilst the other, to put it simply, inhabits the rest of the island. Both species are diurnal and spend most of their time on the ground. They possess a weakly cytotoxic venom.⁴³ Their diet consists largely of reptiles and amphibians, but also includes small mammals; in short, these snakes turn down very little prey.

It is known that Mimophis occultus occasionally preys on chameleons. The stomach of the type specimen, on which the species was first described, contained a Brookesia stumpffi.⁴⁴ In Ankarafantsika, another animal of the same species was observed eating a Furcifer rhinoceratus.⁴⁵ One of our own observations on this aspect is currently being prepared for publication.

Gravid female of Mimophis mahfalensis in Ambositra

The much more widespread related species, Mimophis mahfalensis, on the other hand, has already been observed preying on chameleons relatively frequently. A reporter for the New York Times even found an attack by this species on a Furcifer oustaleti in the Andasibe rainforest in the eastern highlands of Madagascar so fascinating that she published an article about it in the newspaper.⁴⁶ In south-western Madagascar, in the gorges of the Isalo Mountains, a Mimophis mahfalensis was observed devouring a male Furcifer major.⁴⁷ In Kirindy, in western Madagascar, a Mahafaly snake ate a Furcifer labordi.⁴⁸

Big-headed Snakes (Compsophis)

Researchers observed two Compsophis infralineatus in central-eastern Madagascar, near Mandraka, attempting to devour chameleons.⁴⁹ In the process, an adult Calumma gastrotaenia and an equally adult Calumma crypticum fell prey to the snakes. Overall, little is known about Compsophis infalineatus; however, it was long thought to feed primarily on frogs and spawn.

Compsophis laphystius in Marojejy rain forest

Another previously undescribed species, Compsophis sp. aff. laphystius, from the rainforest of Amber Mounttain in northern Madagascar, had an adult Calumma amber in its stomach during a study.⁵⁰ On the one hand, this observation confirms that this Compsophis species, too, is not exclusively a frog-eater; on the other hand, it demonstrates the astonishing sizes of prey that snakes are capable of devouring. Compsophis sp. aff. laphystius remains relatively small, with a total length of less than 70 cm, whilst a female Calumma amber, as prey, appears relatively large at around 35 cm in total length.

The rare snake Compsophis coulangesi is strictly arboreal and is found in north-eastern Madagascar. The first specimen discovered regurgitated a relatively large Calumma parsonii in Anjanaharibe-Sud rainforest after it was found.⁵¹ Otherwise, very little is known about the species so far.

Parastenophis betsileanus

A Parastenophis betsileanus in Marojejy

On the northern east coast of Madagascar, a snake of this species was observed at night devouring a Brookesia superciliaris.⁵² In the eastern highlands, a Furcifer willsii was discovered in the stomach of a Parastenophis betsileanus.⁵³ It is believed that Parastenophis betsileanus is not strictly arboreal, but also hunts for prey on the ground and in the lower branches. However, it is nocturnal and is therefore likely to encounter mainly sleeping chameleons. A rather unusual record of predation comes from Ranomafana in the southern highlands: during heavy rain one night, a Parastenophis betsileanus was found on a road attempting to devour a male Furcifer balteatus.⁵⁴ However, the snake apparently felt disturbed by the onlookers and spat out the comparatively large chameleon again.

Brook Snakes (Pseudoxyrhopus)

Only a few of Madagascar’s snakes specialise in eating eggs. These include the small snake Pseudoxyrhophus ambreensis, which is found only in the rainforest of the Amber Mountain and in the Tsaratanana Massif in northern Madagascar. It is nocturnal and has ofResearchers found three chameleon eggs, probably from Calumma linotum, eon eggs, probably from Calumma linotum, were found in the stomach of a female.⁵⁵ As it eats the eggs, the snake uses its teeth to split them open, allowing the yolk and white to escape and making them easier to digest.

There are several other Pseudoxyrhophus species in Madagascar that are also known to feed on eggs. However, it is not yet known whether they also feed on chameleon eggs.

Madagascar Giant Hognose Snake (Leioheterodon madagascariensis)

And finally, there are the opportunistic snakes, which feed on live reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, as well as eggs. One such species is the Madagascar Giant Hognose Snake, Leioheterodon madagascariensis. This species can grow to be very large and powerful, reaching lengths of over one and a half metres. It is found throughout Madagascar and inhabits a wide variety of habitats, ranging from dry forest to rainforest – so it is a common sight on the island. The Hognose Snake spends most of its time on the ground. However, we have also spotted it actively climbing through bushes in search of prey.

On several occasions, we have observed animals of this species actively burrowing into the ground (see the photograph above from Ankarafantsika in western Madagascar) in order to track down fresh clutches of eggs. On at least one occasion, the size and consistency of the eggs suggested that they were from chameleons. However, the Hognose Snake probably most frequently preys on the eggs of Madagascar iguanas.

Leaf-nosed Snakes (Langaha madagascariensis)

Male Langaha madagascariensis at Madagascar’s east coast

Even the beautiful Malagasy leaf-nosed snakes seem to enjoy a chameleon meal from time to time. The species is found in the rainforests of the north and those along the east coast, extending into the dry forests of the central southwest. It is primarily diurnal and strictly arboreal. Their extremely effective camouflage makes these snakes nearly invisible to their prey before they strike.

In southern Madagascar, a juvenile Furcifer verrucosus was discovered in the stomach of a female leaf-nosed snake.⁵⁶ Other reptiles are already known to be part of the leaf-nosed snake’s diet, including Madagascar iguanas, geckos, and skinks.⁵⁷ It is still unclear whether chameleons are frequently eaten by leaf-nosed snakes or whether the reported sighting was an isolated incident.

Cannibalism

Chameleons will prey on just about anything that moves and appears small enough. Unfortunately, this also applies to other chameleons, which occasionally fall prey to other chameleons. This behavior occurs in chameleons worldwide, and Madagascar is no exception.

A male Furcifer oustaleti in Antsirabe

An observation from Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, describes how an adult Furcifer oustaleti devours a significantly smaller chameleon. The eaten chameleon was likely a carpet chameleon (Furcifer lateralis).⁵⁸ Another observation in Ankarafantsika in western Madagascar describes an adult Furcifer oustaleti shooting and eating a juvenile Furcifer rhinoceratus.⁵⁹ Furcifer oustaleti is certainly not the only chameleon species in Madagascar that preys on other chameleons. However, because this species has the widest distribution on the island, is the most abundant, and grows quite large, it is most likely that one will “catch” a Furcifer oustaleti in Madagascar while it is eating other chameleons, and less likely to encounter other species.

Frogs

Interestingly, on rare occasions, even frogs eat chameleons during the rainy season. Especially hatchlings—which are small and can therefore be swallowed whole by frogs—sometimes end up in a frog’s stomach.

Ptychadena mascareniensis in Ranomafana

The Mascarene frog (Ptychadena mascareniensis), which is very widespread in Madagascar, has been observed in the southwestern part of the island, north of Toliara. There, scientists collected a frog that regurgitated a freshly ingested, still-living juvenile Furcifer major.⁶⁰ Although Mascarene frogs had previously been known to be relatively omnivorous — eating almost anything they could get their mouths on —reptiles were not part of their known diet.

In a scientific study, an examination of the stomach contents of a large number of frogs also revealed a juvenile chameleon in the stomach of a Mantidactylus femoralis.⁶¹ It is likely that other frogs also prey on chameleon hatchlings when they get the chance—but this has been observed very rarely in Madagascar so far.

Invertebrates

A Madagascars silk spider (Trichonephila inaurata madagascariensis) in Ankarafantsika

Very small chameleons — especially juveniles — are occasionally preyed upon by invertebrates such as praying mantises and large spiders. Madagascar has hundreds of species of both. However, researchers have documented each only once so far. In one instance, a small Calumma was captured by a Madagascar silk spider; in another, it was devoured by a praying mantis of a species that, unfortunately, was not identified in detail.⁶²

Lemurs

Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) and Red lemur (Eulemur rufus)

Lemurs rarely eat chameleons—probably only when a good opportunity arises. The two species most frequently observed eating chameleons to date are the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) and the red lemur (Eulemur rufus) in southern Madagascar. All observations were made in the Berenty Reserve near Amboasary Sud. Ring-tailed lemurs are native to the area, but humans introduced red lemurs there; they are native to western Madagascar.

The ring-tailed lemur is considered an omnivore, although the majority of its diet consists of fruits, leaves, and buds. However, bark, resin, soil, insects, spiders, and small vertebrates are also part of its diet, which is certainly, in part, an adaptation to the very long dry season in the south. If you want to survive in the barren south of Madagascar, you simply can’t be picky. Red lemurs also eat a very wide variety of foods, with fruit making up about half of their diet.

Ring-tailed lemur in southern Madagascar

In 1996, the first observation was published in which a female ring-tailed lemur captured a passing Furcifer major.⁶³ The female climbed into a tamarind tree with the chameleon she had caught, bit off the chameleon’s head, and opened up its coelom, causing parts of its intestines to fall out. Finally, she dropped the chameleon, and a second female ring-tailed lemur curiously picked up the dead chameleon from the ground but did not eat it.

A few years later, researchers in Berenty reported observing several red lemurs eat a chameleon’s head once and its entrails three times.⁶⁴ Additional observations of chameleon predation by the same red lemurs occurred primarily during the late rainy season, when there are significantly more chameleons in the south than during the dry season.⁶⁵

A female Eulemur rufus at Tsiribinha river

Four additional cases of chameleon poaching brought a few more details to light.⁶⁶In Berenty, it was primarily high-ranking, lactating females that preyed on chameleons. They defended their prey against other females; males showed no interest. The chameleons were killed by bites to the head. At least one Furcifer verrucosus was identified. However, a smaller chameleon, likely Furcifer major, also fell prey. It is striking that the ring-tailed lemurs often dropped parts of their unusual prey to the ground—such as the tail and hind limbs. This suggests that chameleons are neither a staple food nor a particularly common prey item for lemurs.

Lemur hybrids

In the same reserve, hybrids between red lemurs and collared lemurs were occasionally observed eating chameleons.⁶⁷

Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur (Microcebus berthae)

Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur lives in a very small dry forest in western Madagascar. Weighing just 25 to 40 grams, this species is the world’s smallest primate. Yet evidence from their droppings shows they occasionally eat chameleons at night.⁶⁸

Grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus)

A grey mouse lemur peeks out of its sleeping den in Kirindy

The grey mouse lemur is found in many areas along the west coast of Madagascar. It is nocturnal and feeds on fruits, flowers, insect secretions, resin, and arthropods. Occasionally, however, it also eats geckos or chameleons.⁶⁹ A small species of Calumma has previously been observed as prey of a grey mouse lemur.⁷⁰

Rufous mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus)

One of our own observations, in which a Rufous mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus) preyed on sleeping chameleons, is currently under review for publication. Until now, it was unknown that this species preys on reptiles at all, or that individuals specifically target chameleons to expand their diet. Rufous mouse lemurs otherwise feed primarily on fruit and insects.

Fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus medius)

A fat-tailed dwarf lemur in the dry forest of Kirindy

The fat-tailed dwarf lemur feeds primarily on fruit, but also on flowers, insects, and, less commonly, small vertebrates. During the dry season, these lemurs spend most of their time in a sort of hibernation in their tree hollows. During this season, they subsist on the reserves stored in the fat deposit in their tails, from which they get their name. To date, chameleon skin has been found once in the feces of a western fat-tailed lemur from Marosalaza.⁷¹

Coquerel’s dwarf lemur (Mirza coquereli)

Coquerel’s dwarf lemurs, contrary to their names, are the largest members of the Madagascan mouse lemur family. They are nocturnal and native to southwestern Madagascar. They have long been known as omnivores that prefer fruit and insects. Occasionally, however, they also eat bird chicks, frogs, or even a chameleon.⁷²

Other mammals

Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)

A fossa is resting on a tree trunk

Another Malagasy mammal, the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)—which stands about knee-high and is the island’s largest predator—occasionally preys on the chameleon population. Fossas are cathemeral, meaning they are active during the day and/or at night, depending on their needs. They can climb trees with ease and, as a result, track down chameleons there. To date, researchers have found chameleon bones twice in fossa feces.⁷³ ⁷⁴

Although, unlike other animals in Madagascar, fossa have been the subject of a relatively large amount of research, to date there has been no observation of a fossa actively preying on a chameleon. It therefore appears to be a rather rare behavior. However, it could also be that most studies on the fossa are simply conducted “at the wrong time of year”—namely, not during the rainy season, when chameleons are most abundant. Unfortunately, from a behavioral perspective, the rainy season has so far been less interesting for fossa researchers.

Literatur zu diesem Thema

1
Jenkins Richard K.B., Rabearivony Jeanneney, Rakotomanana Hajanirina (2009): Predation on chameleons in Madagascar: a review. African Journal of Herpetology 58(2): 131-136. Download ↩︎
2
Thorstrom Russel, René de Roland Lily-Arison (2000): First nest description, breeding behaviour and distribution of the Madagascar Serpent-Eagle Eutriorchis astur. Ibis 142: 217-224. Download ↩︎
3
René de Roland, L.-A., Rabearivony, J.R., Razafimanajato,R. H.R., Obenarimangason, H.R., Thorstrom, R. (2005): Breeding biology and diet of the banded kestrel Falco zoniventris on Masoala peninsula. Ostrich 76: 32-36. Download ↩︎
4
Moger, C. (2004): Birdwatching trip report. Available on http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/madagascar/mad7/mad-oct-04.htm ↩︎
5
Colebrook-Robjent, J.F.R. (1973): The breeding oft he Madagascar banded kestrel. Bulletin of the British Ornithology club 93: 108-111. ↩︎
6
Rand, A.L. (1936): The distribution and habits of the Madagascar birds. A summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499. Download ↩︎
7
Thorstrom, R. (1999): A description of the nests, diet and behaviour of the banded kestrel. Ostrich 70: 149-151. Download ↩︎
8
Rand, A.L. (1936): The distribution and habits of the Madagascar birds. A summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499. Download ↩︎
9
Rand, A.L. (1936): The distribution and habits of the Madagascar birds. A summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499. Download ↩︎
10
Goodman, S.M., Pidgeon, M., Hawkins, A.F.A., Schulenberg, T.S. (1997): The birds of southeastern Madagascar. Fieldiana Zoology 87: 1-132. Download ↩︎
11
Berkelmann, J. (1997): Food habits of the Madagascar buzzard in the rainforest of the Masoala peninsula. The Condor 9: 833-835. Download ↩︎
12
Rand, A.L. (1936): The distribution and habits of the Madagascar birds. A summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499. Download ↩︎
13
Metcalf, J., Bayly, N., Bisoa, M., Rabearivony, J., Stewart-Jones, A. (2005): Furcifer oustaleti, Furcifer rhinoceratus. Predation. Herpetological Review 36(4): 447-448. ↩︎
14
René de Roland, L-A., Rabearivony, J.R., Randriamanga, I, Thorstrom, R. (2004): Nesting biology and diet of the Madagascar harrier (Circus macrosceles) in Ambohitantely Special Reserve, Madagascar. Journal of Raptor Research 38: 256-262. Download ↩︎
15
Karpanty, S.M., Goodman, S.M. (1999): Diet of the Madagascar harrier-hawk Polyboroides radiatus in south-eastern Madagascar. Journal of Raptor Research 33: 313-316. Download ↩︎
16
Goodman, S.M., Langrand, O.L. (1993): Food habits of the barn owl Tyto alba at three sites on Madagascar. Ostrich 64(4): 160-171. Download ↩︎
17
Goodman, S.M., Pidgeon, M., Hawkins, A.F.A., Schulenberg, T.S. (1997): The birds of southeastern Madagascar. Fieldiana Zoology 87: 1-132. Download ↩︎
18
Goodman, S.M., Pidgeon, M., Hawkins, A.F.A., Schulenberg, T.S. (1997): The birds of southeastern Madagascar. Fieldiana Zoology 87: 1-132. Download ↩︎
19
Rakotomanana, H., Akamura, M.N., Yamagishi, S. (2001): Breeding ecology of the endemic hook-billed vanga, Vanga curvirostris, in Madagascar. Journal of the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology. 33: 25-35. Download ↩︎
20
Rand, A.L. (1936): The distribution and habits of the Madagascar birds. A summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499. Download ↩︎
21
Rand, A.L. (1936): The distribution and habits of the Madagascar birds. A summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499. Download ↩︎
22
Lamarca, G., Thorstrom, R. (1999): Breeding biology, diet and vocalization of the helmet vanga, Euryceros prevostii, on the Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar. Ostrich 71: 400-403. Download ↩︎
23
Thostrom, R., Watson, R.T. (1997): Avian inventory and key species of the Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar. Bird Conservation International 7: 99-115. Download ↩︎
24
Thostrom, R., Lind, J. (1999): First nest description, breeding, ranging and foraging behaviour of the short-legged ground roller Brachypteracias leptosomus in Madagascar. Ibis 141: 569-576. Download ↩︎
25
Rand, A.L. (1936): The distribution and habits of the Madagascar birds. A summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499. Download ↩︎
26
Thostrom, R., Watson, R.T. (1997): Avian inventory and key species of the Masoala peninsula, Madagascar. Bird Conservation International 7: 99-115. Download ↩︎
27
Thostrom, R., Lind, J. (1999): First nest description, breeding, ranging and foraging behaviour of the short-legged ground roller Brachypteracias leptosomus in Madagascar. Ibis 141: 569-576. Download ↩︎
28
Goodman, S.M., Pidgeon, M., Hawkins, A.F.A., Schulenberg, T.S. (1997): The birds of southeastern Madagascar. Fieldiana Zoology 87: 1-132. Download ↩︎
29
Metcalf, J., Bayly, N., Bisoa, M., Rabearivony, J., Stewart-Jones, A. (2005): Furcifer oustaleti, Furcifer rhinoceratus. Predation. Herpetological Review 36(4): 447-448. ↩︎
30
Goodman, S.M., Pidgeon, M., Hawkins, A.F.A., Schulenberg, T.S. (1997): The birds of southeastern Madagascar. Fieldiana Zoology 87: 1-132. Download ↩︎
31
Rand, A.L. (1936): The distribution and habits of the Madagascar birds. A summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499. Download ↩︎
32
Rand, A.L. (1936): The distribution and habits of the Madagascar birds. A summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499. Download ↩︎
33
Goodman, S.M., Pidgeon, M., Hawkins, A.F.A., Schulenberg, T.S. (1997): The birds of southeastern Madagascar. Fieldiana Zoology 87: 1-132. Download ↩︎
34
Jenkins, R.K.B. (2001): Observations on the white-thorated rail Dryolimnas cuvieri in Madagascar. Scopus 21: 65-67. Download ↩︎
35
Crottini, A., Harris, D.J., Irisarri, I.A., Lima, A., Rasamison, S., Rosa, G.M. (2010): Confirming Domergue: Ithycyphus oursi Domergue, 1986 predation upon Furcifer oustaleti (Mocquard, 1894). Herpetology Notes 3: 127-131. Download ↩︎
36
Domergue, C.A. (1986): Notes sur les serpents de la région malgache VI. Le genre Ithycyphus Günther 1973; description de deux espèces nouvelles. Bulletin du Muséum national d’histoire naturelle Paris Ser. 4, Sec. A. 8: 409-434. Download ↩︎
37
↩︎
37
Ava-Leigh. (2017): Ithycyphus miniatus feeding on a chameleon. Available on https://www.istockphoto.com/de/foto/kleine-nacht-schlange-essen-ein-cham%C3%A4leon-nosy-komba-madagaskar-gm885409058-246015731[/mfn] However, observations from the terrarium hobby in Germany also suggest that chameleons are a favourite food of this snake.³⁷Glaw, F., Vences, M. (2007): Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar. 3^rd edition. Vences & Glaw Verlag, Cologne, Germany. 498 pp. ↩︎
38
Glaw, F., Vences, M. (2007): Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar. 3^rd edition. Vences & Glaw Verlag, Cologne, Germany. 498 pp. ↩︎
39
Andriamandimbiarisoa, L.N. (2007): Contribution à l’étude de l’histoire de trois espèces de caméléons de la région de Toliary, Furcifer verrucosus (Grandidier, 1872) et Furcifer antimena (Grandidier, 1872): biologie, écologie et éthologie de la reproduction. Mémoire DEA, unpublished. Département de Biologie Animale, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar. 73 pages. Download ↩︎
40
Glaw, F., Vences, M. (1996): Seltene Schlangen aus Madagaskar. TI Magazin 132: 41-45. Download ↩︎
41
Negro, A., Radimbiniaina, H.Z. (2026): Rotten ready-to-eat: observation of a Malagasy Cat-eyed Snake, Madagascarophis colubrinus (Schlegel, 1837), feeding on the carcass of a Panther Chameleon, Furcifer pardalis (Cuvier, 1829). Herpetology Notes 19: 399-401. Download ↩︎
42
Kryukova, E.V., Ivanov, D.A., Kopylova, N.V., Starkov, V.G., Andreeva, T.V., Ivanov, I.A., Tsetlin, V.I., Utkin, Yu. N. (2023): A new peptide from the venom of the Madagascar cat-eyed snake Madagascarophis colubrinus blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry 49(3): 529-537. Download ↩︎
43
Rosa, G.M., Boistel, R., Campantico, E., Gillet, B., Bergò, P.E., Andreone, F. (2014): Case solved: presence of toxin-secreting oral glands in the lamprophiid snake Mimophis mahfalensis (Grandidier, 1867) from Madagascar. Zoomorphology 133: 417-423. Download ↩︎
44
Ruane, S., Myers, E.A., Lo, K., Yuen, S., Welt, R.S., Juman, M., Futterman, I., Nussbaum, R.A., Schneider, G., Burbrink, F.T., Raxworthy, C.J. (2017): Unrecognized species diversity and new insights into colour pattern polymorphism within the widespread Malagasy snake Mimophis (Serpentes: Lamprohiidae). Systematics and Biodiversity 16(3): 1-16. Download ↩︎
45
Metcalf, J., Bayly, N., Bisoa, M., Rabearivony, J., Stewart-Jones, A. (2005): Furcifer oustaleti, Furcifer rhinoceratus. Predation. Herpetological Review 36(4): 447-448. ↩︎
46
↩︎
46
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2285525/Snake-vs-chameleon-Moment-savage-serpent-strikes-defenceless-animal-toxic-paralysing-poison-eats-lunch.html[/mfn] Near the Andringitra massif in south-eastern Madagascar, scientists collected a Mimophis mahfalensis, in whose stomach they discovered a recently ingested Furcifer willsii.⁴⁶ Lobón-Rovira, J., Belluardo, F., Rasoazanany, M., Rosa, G.M., Crottini, A. (2020): Canopy chameleon (Furcifer willsii) consumption by common big-eyed snake (Mimophis mahfalensis) in Fivahona Forest, eastern Madagascar. Malagasy Nature 14: 81-83. Download ↩︎
47
Rosa, G.M., Castelo Branco, J., Couto, H., Bergò, P.E., Andreone, F. (2016): Mimophis mahfalensis (common big-eyed snake) predation on Furcifer major (giant carpet chameleon) in Isalo, Madagascar. The Herpetological Bulletin 138: 40-41. Download ↩︎
48
Andriamandimbiarisoa, L.N. (2007): Contribution à l’ètude de l’histoire de trois espèces de caméléons de la region de Toliary, Furcifer verrucosus (Grandidier, 1872) et Furcifer antimena (Grandidier, 1872): biologie, écologie et éthologie de la reproduction. Mémoire DEA, unpublished. Département de Biologie Animale, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar. 73 pages. Download ↩︎
49
Edmonds, D.A., Sam-Edmonds, S.S. (2024): Predation on the chameleons Calumma crypticum Raxworthy and Nussbaum, 2006 and C. gastrotaenia (Boulenger, 1888) by the snake Compsophis infralineatus (Günther, 1882) near Mandraka, Madagascar. Herpetology Notes 17: 327-328. Download ↩︎
50
Edmonds, D.A., Sam-Edmonds, S.S. (2024): Predation on the chameleons Calumma crypticum Raxworthy and Nussbaum, 2006 and C. gastrotaenia (Boulenger, 1888) by the snake Compsophis infralineatus (Günther, 1882) near Mandraka, Madagascar. Herpetology Notes 17: 327-328. Download ↩︎
51
Glaw, F., Vences, M. (2007): Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar. 3^rd edition. Vences & Glaw Verlag, Cologne, Germany. 498 pp. ↩︎
52
Kaloloha, A., Misandeau, C., Gehring, P.-S. (2011): Notes on the diversity and natural history of the snake fauna of Ambodiriana-Manompana, a protected rainforest site in north-eastern Madagascar. Herpetology Notes 4: 397-402. Download ↩︎
53
Raxworthy, C.J. (1988): Reptiles, Rainforest and Conservation in Madagascar. Biological Conservation 43: 181-211. Download ↩︎
54
Glaw, F., Vences, M. (1996): Seltene Schlangen aus Madagaskar. TI Magazin 132: 41-45. Download ↩︎
55
Knoll, A., Glaw, F., Köhler, J. (2009): The Malagasy snake Pseudoxyrhophus ambreensis preys upon chameleon eggs by shell slitting. Herpetology Notes 2: 161-162. Download ↩︎
56
Viol, A.L., Crowell, H.L., Lee, J.L., Schramer, T.D. (2025): Langaha madagascariensis (Malagasy Leaf-nosed Snake). Diet and reproduction. Herpetological Review 55(2): 284. Download ↩︎
57
Tingle, J.L. (2012): Field observations on the behavioral ecology of the Madagascan Leaf-nosed Snake, Langaha madagascariensis. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 7(3): 442-448. Download ↩︎
58
René de Roland, A., Razarazafy, D., Fabrice, S. (2025): Predation on Furcifer sp. by Oustalet’s Chameleon, Furcifer oustaleti (Mocquard, 1894), in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. Herpetology Notes 18: 305-306. Download ↩︎
59
Metcalf, J., Bayly, N., Bisoa, M., Rabearivony, J., Stewart-Jones, A. (2005): Furcifer oustaleti, Furcifer rhinoceratus. Predation. Herpetological Review 36(4): 447-448. ↩︎
60
D’Cruze, N., Sabel, J.A. (2005): Ptychadena mascariensis (Mascarene ridged frog): Predation on an endemic Malagasy chameleon. Herpetological Bulletin 93: 26-27. Download ↩︎
61
Vences, M., Glaw, F., Zapp, C. (1999): Stomach content analyses in Malagasy frogs of the genera Tomoptera, Aglyptodactylus, Boophis, and Mantidactylus (Anura: Ranidae). Herpetozoa 11 (3/4): 109-116. Download ↩︎
62
Parcher, S.R. (1974): Observations on the Natural Histories of Six Malagasy Chamaeleontidae. Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie 34:500–523. Download ↩︎
63
Oda, R. (1996): Predation on a Chameleon by a Ring-Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) in the Berenty Reserve, Madagascar. Folia Primatologica 67:40–43. Download ↩︎
64
Jolly, A., Caless, S., Cavigelli, S., Gould, L., Pereira, M.E., Pitts, A., Pride, R.E., Rabenandrasana, H.D., Walker, J.D., Zafison, T. (2000): Infant killing, wounding and predation in Eulemur and Lemur. International Journal of Primatology 21:21-40. Download ↩︎
65
Simmen, B., Hladik, A., Ramasiarisoa, P. (2003): Food intake and dietary overlap in native Lemur catta and Propithecus verreauxi and introduced Eulemur fulvus at Berenty, southern Madagascar. International Journal of Primatology 24: 949–968. Download ↩︎
66
Ichino, S., Rambeloarivony, H. (2011): New cases of vertebrate predation by the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), with reference to differences from Eulemur species and other primates. African Study Monographs 32: 69–80. Download ↩︎
67
Jolly, A., Caless, S., Cavigelli, S., Gould, L., Pereira, M.E., Pitts, A., Pride, R.E., Rabenandrasana, H.D., Walker, J.D., Zafison, T. (2000): Infant killing, wounding and predation in Eulemur and Lemur. International Journal of Primatology 21:21-40. Download ↩︎
68
Dammhahn, M., Kappeler, P.M. (2008): Comparative feeding ecology of sympatric Microcebus berthae and M. murinus. International Journal of Primatology 29: 1567–1589. Download ↩︎
69
Dammhahn, M., Kappeler, P.M. (2008): Comparative feeding ecology of sympatric Microcebus berthae and M. murinus. International Journal of Primatology 29: 1567–1589. Download ↩︎
70
Parcher, S.R. (1974): Observations on the Natural Histories of Six Malagasy Chamaeleontidae. Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie 34:500–523. Download ↩︎
71
Hladik, C.M., Charles-Dominique, P., Petter, J.J. (1980): Feeding strategies of five nocturnal prosimians in the dry forest of the west coast of Madagascar. In Nocturnal Malagasy Primates. Ecology, Physiology, and Behavior (Charles-Dominique P, Cooper HM, Hladik A, Page E, Pariente GF, et al., eds.), pp. 41–73. Academic Press, New York (USA). ↩︎
72
Pages, E. (1980): Ethoecology of Microcebus coquereli during the dry season. In Nocturnal Malagasy Primates. Ecology, Physiology, and Behavior (Charles-Dominique P, Cooper HM, Hladik A, Page E, Pariente GF, et al., eds.), pp. 97–116. Academic Press, New York (USA). ↩︎
73
Rand, A.L. (1936): The distribution and habits of the Madagascar birds. A summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499. ↩︎
74
Hawkins, C.E., Racey, P.A. (2008): Food habits of an endangered carnivore, Cryptoprocta ferox, in the dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar. Journal of Mammalogy 89(1): 64-74. ↩︎

Birds

Diurnal Birds of Prey

Nocturnal birds of prey

Vangas

Ground rollers

Couas

Other Birds

Snakes

Colubridae – typical snakes

Night Snakes (Ithycyphus)

Malagasy Cat-eyed Snakes (Madagascarophis)

Big-eyed Snakes (Mimophis)

Big-headed Snakes (Compsophis)

Parastenophis betsileanus

Brook Snakes (Pseudoxyrhopus)

Madagascar Giant Hognose Snake (Leioheterodon madagascariensis)

Leaf-nosed Snakes (Langaha madagascariensis)

Cannibalism

Frogs

Invertebrates

Lemurs

Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) and Red lemur (Eulemur rufus)

Lemur hybrids

Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur (Microcebus berthae)

Grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus)

Rufous mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus)

Fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus medius)

Coquerel’s dwarf lemur (Mirza coquereli)

Other mammals

Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)

Literatur zu diesem Thema

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