Nature Tour Madagascar

13/06/2025

The Blue Coua (Coua caerulea) in English:
www.naturetourmadagascar.com
✅ Taxonomy & range
The Blue Coua is a member of the cuckoo family (Cuculidae). It is endemic to Madagascar, found mainly in the island’s eastern and north-western forests.

✅ Appearance
It measures about 48–50 cm long. It has a deep blue plumage with violet reflections on the wings and tail. The skin around its eye is bare and bluish (sometimes bicoloured), with black bill, legs, and feet.

✅ Habitat & behaviour
The Blue Coua lives in various forest types: dry forests, humid forests, and mangroves, from sea level up to around 1800 m altitude (most common between 400–1200 m). It is mostly arboreal, active in the canopy and lower branches.

✅ Diet
It is omnivorous, feeding on insects (like cicadas, grasshoppers, beetles), small reptiles (such as chameleons), frogs, crabs, fruits, and tree resins.

✅ Breeding
It builds a platform or ball-shaped nest in trees and usually lays a single white egg. Breeding takes place in the rainy season, between July and December. Both parents care for the chick.

✅ Vocalisation
It has a variety of calls: a rising "brrreee-ee", a series of "coy coy coy coy", deep "kroo kroo" grunts, and regular "koa koa koa" notes.

✅ Conservation status
It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. The species is fairly common in suitable habitats, though locally threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
www.naturetourmadagascar.com

03/06/2025

Calumma brevicorne at Mitsinjo Reserve

Nestled within the lush mid-altitude rainforests of Mitsinjo Reserve, Calumma brevicorne, commonly known as the short-horned or elephant-eared chameleon, thrives in both primary forest and more disturbed edge habitats. This striking species is instantly recognisable by the large, ear-like flaps extending from either side of its head, features that earn it the nickname “elephant-eared” chameleon. Males also sport a small horn-like protrusion on their snouts.

Adult males can reach up to 40 cm in total length, while females tend to be noticeably smaller. Their coloration is variable and can shift with mood or environmental conditions. Males are typically greyish-brown with occasional pinkish highlights, especially around the rostral horn. Females often display yellow accents, particularly around the eyes and occipital lobes, and young individuals may appear in hues ranging from bright yellow to dark brown.

These chameleons are diurnal and spend most of their time perched in the forest canopy, feeding on insects. At night, they can often be spotted sleeping on exposed branches, making them easier to observe during guided night walks in the reserve.

Reproduction occurs through egg-laying, with females depositing clutches of 10 to 30 eggs roughly 40 days after mating. However, their nests face threats from predators like the black rat (Rattus rattus), an invasive species in many parts of Madagascar.

Although Calumma brevicorne is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, continued habitat loss and pressures from the illegal pet trade make conservation efforts, like those at Mitsinjo, crucial to the species’ long-term survival.

www.naturetourmadagascar.com
---

26/05/2025

The Green Bright-eyed (Boophis viridis) is a striking and colourful species of tree frog endemic to Madagascar. Here’s a quick overview of this species:
---
Scientific Classification:
Common name: Green Bright-eyed Frog
Scientific name: Boophis viridis
Family: Mantellidae

Endemic to Madagascar
---
Identification

Colour: Vivid green body with translucent skin, often speckled with tiny white or blue dots.

Eyes: Large and bright, typically golden or copper with a horizontal pupil.

Size: Medium-sized among Boophis frogs.

Found in humid tropical rainforests, especially in eastern Madagascar.
Typically located near clean, fast-flowing streams where it breeds.
---
Behaviour:
Nocturnal and arboreal (lives in trees).
Males call during the rainy season to attract females.

23/05/2025

Gehyra mutilata found at my house in ANTALAHA-Madagascar.

22/05/2025

The panther :
---
Meet this stunning panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) in its natural element.
This individual showcases a bold contrast of deep navy-black and vivid orange-yellow stripes, blending beautifully into the lush green surroundings.
Found hanging gracefully on low vegetation, it likely belongs to one of the northern colour locales of Madagascar (Antalaha), where such high contrast and mottled patterns are more common.
Its vibrant display may signal stress, territorial behaviour, or simply its mood in response to its environment.

Spotted during a field walk in the Antalaha, this chameleon is a reminder of the rich biodiversity that thrives in Madagascar’s wild spaces.



---

Would you like the French version or a more scientific tone as well?

22/05/2025

PHELSUMA
This striking green gecko is a Phelsuma madagascariensis, commonly known as the Madagascar day gecko. Endemic to Madagascar, it is easily recognised by its vivid green body adorned with bright red spots. Active during the day, this arboreal lizard is often found basking on sunny surfaces like tree trunks and walls.

In the wild like this, it plays an important ecological role by hunting ants and small insects, which make up the bulk of its diet. It uses its agility and keen vision to stalk and capture prey with quick, precise movements. This species also helps pollinate flowers and disperse pollen while feeding on nectar, making it both a predator and a pollinator in its habitat.
Location : ANTALAHA

16/05/2025

1. Calumma parsonii is one of the largest chameleon species in the world, and it includes impressive colour morphs such as the Yellow Giant and Yellow Lip.

2. The Yellow Giant morph is known for its massive size and bright yellow-green body, often reaching lengths of over 60 cm.

3. The Yellow Lip morph is characterised by its striking yellow markings around the mouth and lower jaw, making it highly sought after by reptile enthusiasts.

4. Both morphs are native to the humid forests of eastern Madagascar and are typically found at higher elevations.

5. These chameleons are slow-moving, primarily arboreal, and have a calm temperament, making them a favourite subject for ecotourists and wildlife photographers.

08/05/2025

Uroplatus giganteus at Marojejy national park.

07/05/2025

The female chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) of Antalaha is typically smaller and less colourful than the male, often displaying shades of brown, pink, or orange. She plays a crucial role in reproduction, laying eggs in the ground after mating, and showing distinct dark colours when gravid. In the wild habitats around Antalaha, she is well adapted to the humid tropical environment and is often found in low shrubs or small trees.

06/05/2025

A brilliantly phantasticus, commonly known as the satanic leaf-tailed gecko, clings to a slender branch in the rainforest understorey of Ranomafana National Park.
Its body perfectly mimics a decaying leaf, with jagged edges, a curled, tattered tail, and earthy hues of dark brown and rusty red, blending seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation.

Subtle highlights of red and orange glimmer under the forest light, making the gecko appear like a leaf with fungal decay or sunlit damage, enhancing its disguise. Its flattened body and tail rest motionless, making it incredibly difficult to spot unless closely inspected. The photo captures the essence of natural camouflage and Madagascar’s rich biodiversity in a single, striking image.

03/05/2025

02/05/2025

Beautiful parson in action