[1][2] This generally common lizard is found in a range of habitat types, including open and degraded humid forest at mid and low altitudes.

[2] The family Gerrhosauridae shares the strongest evolutionary linkages to Asian and South American Species.

Tracheloptychus, which consists of 2 separate species that occupy the subarid south and south-west regions of the Island 2.

Originally, scientists concluded, based on morphological data, that the Zonosaurus was a sister to the Tracheloptychus genera.

Populations on Cosmoledo and Grande Glorieuse are recognized as subspecies Zonosaurus madagascariensis insulanus Brygoo, 1985.