New Life - New Hope. Hatchling of Furcifer lateralis, The Carpet Chameleon

The Carpet Chameleon (Furcifer lateralis) is a small chameleon species endemic to eastern Madagascar. It inhabits forests, shrubby areas, grasslands, and well-vegetated gardens, thriving at elevations between 120 and 1,925 meters. Males are primarily green with whitish or yellowish markings, while females display a wider range of colors, including black, white, blue, yellow, and orange. Both sexes have striped throats and lips, with lateral lines and ring-like markings1. They can change color based on mood and environmental factors, often darkening in the morning to absorb heat. Carpet Chameleons grow to 17–25 cm in length and have a lifespan of about three years. They mature quickly, breeding three months after hatching, with females laying 8–23 eggs per clutch. Despite habitat degradation, they remain Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.