A short communication compiles seven confirmed cases of avian predation on the Indian chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus) between 2012 and 2023, based on field observations from India and Sri Lanka. All records involve C. zeylanicus as prey, highlighting its vulnerability to a diverse range of bird species.
A study documents an exceptionally rare predation event involving a Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) preying on a chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) in the wild. Chameleons are not typical prey for large nocturnal raptors, and this observation provides new insights into the ecological interactions between avian predators and arboreal reptiles.
Rock Kestrel (Falco rupicolus) eating Cape Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum) at Rietvlei, near Milnerton, Cape Town, RSA
Common Kestrel (Falco tinnuculus) eats a Common Chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon).
Grey-Headed Bush Shrike (Malaconotus blanchoti), called also The Ghostbird feeding on Kilimanjaro Two-Horned Chameleon (Kinyongia tavetana),
"Often when I dгіⱱe through game reserves, my attention is foсᴜѕed on the surrounding bush, thickets, trees, and riverbeds. Sometimes the best sightings aren't where you'd expect them to be. On this particular day, I was driving along the tar road when a small shadowed figure саᴜɡһt my eуe in the middle of the road.
Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina) eats a Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion sp.), RSA.
Juvenile Dark Chanting Goshawk (Melierax metabates) feeds on a Flap-necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) in Lusaka, Zambia
Grey Headed Bushshrike (Malaconotus blanchoti) aka Ghost Bird hunting a Flapneck Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) at Fish Eagle picnic spot, Pilanesberg, RSA
Black Headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) eats Cape Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum) at Lake Michelle, Noordhoek, Western Cape
African Cuckoo Hawk (Aviceda cuculoides) eating a Flap-Necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) between De Wildt and Hartbeestpoort in the North West Province, RSA
Brown-Hooded Kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris) eating a chameleon in St Lucia, RSA
Crowned Hornbill (Lophoceros alboterminatus) eats a Flapneck Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis), RSA.
Brown Snake Eagle (Circaetus cinereus) eating a Flapneck Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) in Bergendal - Kruger National Park
Lilac Breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) eating a Flapneck Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis)
The Flapneck Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) eaten by a hornbill in Tanzania
Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) feeds on Flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis), Puff adder, juvenile (Bitis arietans) and Grey foam-nest tree frog (Chiromantis xerampelina) in Afsaal, Kruger NP, Mpumalanga, RSA
Photo: Stefan Toerien, courtesy FB Predation Records - Reptiles and Frogs (Sub-Saharan Africa)
Hornbills are notoriously known to feed on reptiles and Amphibians, the chameleons are no exception.
