Madagascar Giant Hognose Snake

Leioheterodon madagascariensis

RANGE Madagascar and the Comoro Islands

HABITAT Sandy soils of the mixed grasslands, and dry and tropical forests of the island

DIET Mammals, lizards, amphibians, and eggs

The Madagascar giant hognose snake is the largest type of hognose snake (those with the upturned snouts). They have large eyes with protruding scales above them that act as protection from blowing dust.

These snakes are terrestrial (ground-dwellers) and diurnal (active during the day). They use their hog-like noses to dig in sandy soil using a sweeping, side-to-side motion.