African Bullfrog
^{Pyxicephalus adspersus}

• natural habitats: savannas, tropical/subtropical dry shrubland, freshwater lakes and marshes
• they are voracious opportunistic eaters; their diet consists of insects, small mammals, reptiles, small birds and other amphibians
• they can weigh over 4 pounds

Leopard Tortoise
^{Stigmochelys pardalis}

• they range throughout the savannas of Africa, from Sudan to the Southern Cape
• habitat: semi-arid, grassland habitats
• they are known as the fourth largest species of tortoise
• their diet consists of grasses, succulents and thistles

Sulcata Tortoise
^{Geochelone sulcata}

• they are found in the southern part of the Sahara Desert in northern Africa
• 3rd largest species of tortoise and the largest mainland tortoise
• some sulcatas can dig tunnels extending 10 ft. underground, seeking out areas with higher moisture levels to escape extreme heat

Emperor Scorpion
^{Pandinus imperator}

• this is the largest species of scorpion
• adults can average 8 inches
• can live 5-8 years in captivity
• females have live birth; they carry their very small young on their back
• they are burrowing scorpions
• feed on termites in the wild

Fat Tail Gecko
^{Hemitheconyx caudicinctus}

• these are nocturnal, ground-dwelling geckos
• they do not have sticky feet (lamellae)
• they reside in rocky hillsides, dry woodland habitats, river edges and savannas from Senegal to Cameroon
• 6-10 inches; lifespan of 15-18 years
• the tail is a fat store, which is used when food is scarce
• the tail can also be dropped as a defense mechanism

Madagascar Ground Boa
^{Boa madagascariensis}

• this boa is endemic to Madagascar
• can grow up to 8-10 ft. in length
• it is also known as the Malagasy ground boa
• habitat: sparse, open woodlands
• diet: birds and small mammals
• this boa has been considered to be endangered since 1977

Dumerils Boa
^{Boa dumerili}

• found on Madagascar in semi-arid habitats
• diet consists of birds, lizards and small mammals
• adults can reach up to 6-8 ft. in length

Giant African Millipede
^{Archispirostreptus gigas}

• occurs in the rainforests of West Africa
• diet consists of decaying fruits, vegetables and other plant matter
• can reach up to a length of 12 inches
• defenses: they coil tightly when threatened; they also secrete a foul-smelling and -tasting fluid when attacked

Black Throat Monitor
^{Varanus albigularis ionidesi}

• native to Tanzania
• opportunistic feeders
• in the wild, they feed on rodents, snakes, lizards, carrion
• monitor lizards, in general, are very intelligent, from foraging and hunting behaviors to recognizing their caretakers

Royal Ball Python
^{Python regius}

• found in grasslands, savannas and wooded areas in the northern regions of Africa
• they will curl into a tight ball when they feel threatened
• they live on a diet of small mammals
• adults can reach up to 3-4 ft. in length

Sand Boa
^{Eryx colubrinus}

• related to rosy and rubber boas
• adults can grow to about 15-36 inches, with females growing larger than males
• they burrow in sand to lie in wait and ambush their prey

Tomato Frog
^{Dyscophus antongillii}

• found in Madagascar
• can live about 6-8 years
• adults can reach 2-4 inches in length
• adult females are more brightly colored than males
• defense: when caught, they secrete a gummy substance which is uncomfortable to the the eyes and mouth of the attacker; this will, hopefully, cause the frog to be released

Uromastyx
^{Uromastyx sp.}

• various species
• generally live in rocky areas with vegetation
• can grow anywhere from 10 to 36 inches, depending on the species
• they are herbivores; they obtain most of the water in their diet from vegetation
• they sleep in their burrows with their tails at the openings
• when threatened, they strike quickly with their spiky tail