turpinambis

Updated: May 14, 2025

The blacks think that all the whites are very rich in their own country. This lizard was probably a turpinambis. This animal, which is not uncommon at Cape Verd, climbs up trees, frequents the marshy places, and is said to inflict severe wounds if it is not laid hold of with great precaution. The inhabitants of the Mamelles assert that it devours young crocodiles.

Alexandre Corréard - Narrative of a Voyage to Senegal in 1816: Undertaken by Order of the French Government, Comprising an Account: of the Shipwreck of the Medusa, the Sufferings of the Crew, and the: Various Occurrences on Board the Raft, in the Desert of Zaara, at: St. Louis, and at the Camp of Daccard. to Which Are Subjoined: Observations Respecting the Agriculture of the Western Coast of: Africa, from Cape Blanco to the Mouth of the Gambia.