Mauritius - Reptiles 2

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Bojer’s skink (Gongylomorphus bojeri) is the island’s most common reptile, also being present on several of the outlying islands, including Coin de Mire, Flat and Gabriel islands, and was probably exterminated on Mauritius by introduced rats, mongooses and Indian wolf snakes (Lycodon aulica).

Another skink found on Round Island is the pan-tropical Bouton’s skink (Cryptoblepharus boutonii). Because of its long legs and claws, it is capable of staying on a rock while raging whitewater crashes over it. The ornate day gecko (Phelsuma ornata) remains common on Mauritius and Round Island. It forages by day for insects and nectar. The endemic Round Island day gecko (P. guentheri) is unusual among day geckos in that it is most active at night and is not brightly coloured like its relatives. Reaching a total length of nearly 300mm (1ft), it is the largest day gecko which still exists. They are often to be seen foraging in latan palms, for which they are important pollinators. Another gecko to be found on Round Island is the diminutive Durrell’s night gecko (Nactus durrelli).

Round Island is best known among zoological circles for its two endemic snakes, which are so distinctive taxonomically that they have been accorded a family of their own, the Bolyeridae. Intriguingly, the only other animal family unique to the Mascarenes is the Raphidae – the remarkable dodo and solitaires – all of which are extinct. The considerable regeneration of native vegetation on Round Island following the rabbit eradication means that the keel-scaled boa is now thriving and there may just be a faint glimmer of hope for the Round Island burrowing boa. The keel-scaled boa is largely nocturnal, preying wholly on lizards. During the day, the boas tend to curl up in rock crevices or between fallen latan palm fronds. Sadly, no-one knows what the burrowing boa ate or how it lived.

The importance of Round Island as a refuge for a unique group of reptiles and plants cannot be overstated.

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Mauritius - Reptiles 2

Natural History

Mauritius - Reptiles 2