Angry Slender Chameleon, Chamaeleo gracilis in Kenya

My friend from Kenya, Nikunj Shah, recently came across a remarkable female slender chameleon (Chamaeleo gracilis) near Voi. The encounter challenged the old superstition that chameleons are lazy and slow. This individual reacted with surprising vigor: she puffed up her body, fought back, and displayed intense aggression, leaving no doubt about her defensive capabilities.

After her performance on the ground, the angry animal was carefully rescued and placed on a nearby tree. Yet even there she did not calm down, continuing her aggressive anti‑predator display. The behavior was striking and could be followed in the footage that documents this rare and fascinating moment.

All Photos courtesy Nikunj Shah, Near Voi, Kenya