CHAMELEONOLOGY: 

Nature's Elite Athletes: South Africa's Urban Chameleons

In a study that flips the script on how we interpret animal signaling, Barends et al. (2025) reveal that body size—not habitat or sex—is the strongest predictor of ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence in African dwarf chameleons (Bradypodion). Published in the Journal of Zoology, this research challenges long-held assumptions about the role of...

In a dazzling display of evolutionary artistry, Tolley et al. (2025) unravel how ecological pressures shape the form and fate of South Africa's dwarf chameleons (Bradypodion). Their study, published in Zoosystematics and Evolution, dives deep into the tangled web of convergent evolution and ecological speciation, revealing how habitat structure—not...

Furcifer petteri is a medium-sized chameleon native to northern Madagascar, especially in regions like Ankarana and Amber Mountain National Park. It typically inhabits shrubs and hedges at heights of 1–2 meters, often spotted along roadsides and gardens near Joffreville. Unlike rainforest dwellers, this species prefers residual forests and open...

Juvenile Carpet Chameleons, Furcifer lateralis, are renowned for their stunning array of colors, a characteristic that is aptly reflected in their name. These remarkable reptiles exhibit a wide palette of hues, often described as a 'carpet' of colors.

When the female chameleon expresses "No," the male responds with remarkable sensitivity.

Every chameleon enthusiast dreams of discovering a genuine specimen for sale, perhaps encased in ancient amber, a fossilized treasure that boasts golden-yellow hues reminiscent of fire. Not long ago, the headlines featured a supposed discovery of a lizard closely related to chameleons from Burma, Southeast Asia. However, it was later revealed that...

After chameleon eggs are laid, many breeders often experience anxiety regarding the viability of the clutch. This concern typically arises during the candling process, where the eggs are examined for signs of life. Initially, the eggs usually do not display any significant indicators of development, leading to the impression that they may be...

Chamaeleo chamaeleon, the common chameleon, presents a fascinating study of adaptation and coloration in the diverse ecosystems of southern Spain. This species demonstrates exceptional chromatophore function, enabling intricate color changes crucial for thermoregulation and social communication. In the Mediterranean scrub and mixed woodlands, the...

Nestled deep within the leaf litter of Nosy Hara, Madagascar, Brookesia micra ranks among the world's smallest reptiles—smaller than a paperclip and barely longer than a match head. At just under 30 mm from snout to tail, this micro-chameleon is an evolutionary marvel of miniaturization, demonstrating how life compresses complexity...

Photos from Addis ababa, courtesy Elias Bayou

Male Calumma parsonii, the largest living chameleons, showcases an arresting palette of color variants, from emerald greens and soft turquoises to bold yellows and smoky blues. These visual signatures serve far beyond aesthetic charm. In disparate forest pockets across Madagascar, males develop distinct regional morphs that act as visual...

Male Furcifer pardalis, or panther chameleons, are visual marvels, flaunting vivid arrays of color: fiery reds, luminous blues, deep greens, and citrus oranges, often in dazzling, territorial displays. These chromatic signatures are not merely ornamental; they function as dynamic signals of genetic identity and mating fitness. Across Madagascar's...

Above: juveniles of 4-6 weeks of age

Kinyongia multituberculata, described by Tornier in 1899, is an arboreal chameleon species endemic to the montane forests of the West Usambara Mountains in northeastern Tanzania. Distinguished by its multiple dorsal conical tubercles—especially pronounced in males—it represents one of the most morphologically distinctive taxa within the genus. The...

Visual Communication and Social Signaling in Chameleons: A Case Study of Trioceros hoehnelii

Chamaeleo zeylanicus is the only chameleon species native to the Indian subcontinent, with a range spanning peninsular India, Sri Lanka, and southeastern Pakistan. It is oviparous, with clutch sizes ranging from 10–40 eggs, deposited in deep soil burrows (~25 cm) during the dry season. Morphologically, it exhibits a high parietal casque, prominent...

After fabulous reports on the breeding of the Namaqua Desert Chameleon from Belgium (Jürgen van Overbeke) and Austria (Haus der Meeres, Vienna), another successful breeding is reported

Montane Side-Striped Chameleon, Trioceros ellioti, Zziba, Uganda, July 2025

A Slender Chameleon, Chamaeleo gracilis, a wonderful male specimen in a rare color phase

The specific epithet "furcifer" derives from Latin. The root "furca" translates to "fork" and the suffix "-fer" is derived from the Latin verb "ferre," which means "to carry" or "to bear." Therefore, the term "furcifer" can be interpreted as "fork-bearer" and stays as a noun in apposition. It refers to the chameleon's distinctive physical feature:...

Ah, Snake Day! A delightful occasion when many gather to celebrate our slithering friends, those leggy-less wonders of the reptile world. Yes, snakes, the great eaters of mice, the stealthy lurkers in the grass, and the ultimate fashion icons with their snazzy, scaly outfits, deserve a day of admiration. After all, they were crafted with the same...

Calumma gallus, also known as the lance-nosed chameleon, is a small, elusive species endemic to eastern Madagascar. Males sport a long, flexible rostral appendage with vibrant blue, violet, and green hues, while females have a shorter, leaf-shaped red nose. Measuring around 11 cm, they thrive in dense, fern-covered vegetation on steep slopes. Their...

One of the most incredible moments of a chameleon lover is to see the Parsons' Chameleon in the wild...

The panther chameleon is one of the best known chameleon species of Madagascar, famous by remarkable variability of color appearances of adult males. Yet, not all populations are known and documented...

The population of the Oustalet's chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti) between Andasibe and Toamasina in the central east of Madagascar is characterized by its robust appearance and incredible colors.

Furcifer bifidus is a chameleon species native to Madagascar, described by Georges Cuvier in 1829 alongside the Parsons' chameleon in the same work. This species is notable for its two large, flattened horns that protrude from its snout, distinguishing it from other chameleons.

In the fascinating world of chameleons, the term "snalt" refers specifically to a specialized secretion produced by the nasal salinary glands. These glands play a crucial role in the unique physiology of chameleons, enabling them to thrive in diverse environments. Snalt, often misunderstood, is a vital aspect of chameleon health and hydration.

Habitat and Range: Its range is confined to a few scattered remnants of the original forest, highlighting its vulnerability. These limited habitats make the species heavily reliant on the preservation of its natural environment.
Threats: The Angel's Chameleon faces significant threats from logging and wildfires, which contribute to habitat...