The Family Gerrhosauridae, commonly known as plated lizards, is a group of robust, armored lizards native primarily to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. They are characterized by heavily keeled, osteoderm-covered scales that provide protection from predators, a stout body, and well-developed limbs for terrestrial locomotion. Most species are diurnal and ground-dwelling, feeding on insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally plant matter. Gerrhosaurids are often found in savannas, rocky outcrops, and dry forests, and they exhibit behaviors such as tail autotomy (shedding their tail to escape predators) and burrowing. Their ecological role includes controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger predators.