Furcifer oustaleti Eats Another Chameleon

Chameleons in Madagascar primarily prey on invertebrates, especially Diptera and Orthoptera, but occasionally consume vertebrates like birds and small lizards. The largest species, Furcifer oustaleti, has been recorded swallowing a bird whole, and Calumma parsonii may also eat birds and day geckos.

While chameleons prey on small animals, they themselves fall victim to birds, snakes, amphibians, and mammals. Furcifer oustaleti, widespread in Madagascar, inhabits varied environments but is rare in primary forests.

On October 19, 2019, an adult F. oustaleti was observed preying on another chameleon in Andralanitra, Madagascar. The prey was partially ingested when discovered, likely F. lateralis, identified by its visible green patch. The predator slowly climbed a shrub before swallowing its prey completely.

This marks the first documented case of interspecific predation among wild chameleons, as previous instances were only recorded in captivity.