The Bale Two‑Horned Chameleon, Trioceros balebicornutus

Described by Colin Tilbury in 1998, Trioceros balebicornutus is one of the most distinctive African chameleons. Endemic to the Bale Mountains of central Ethiopia, it inhabits moist montane forests and forest edges at elevations above 2,500 m. Its name reflects the striking paired rostral horns of adult males, which give the species a specific appearance and likely play a role in display and species and sex recognition.

Despite its specialized adaptations, the Bale two‑horned chameleon faces serious conservation challenges. The Bale Mountains are under pressure from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and climate change, all of which reduce suitable habitat. With such a restricted range, even localized habitat loss can have disproportionate effects on population stability.

Conservation of T. balebicornutus depends on protecting the Bale Mountains' fragile ecosystems, making this species both a biological jewel and a flagship for Ethiopian montane forest preservation.