Trioceros kinangopensis: The Aberdare High-Altitude Chameleon

All photos courtesy Jamie Shattenberg & Kayden Withey

For decades, reports of a small chameleon above the treeline in Kenya's Aberdare Mountains were attributed to Trioceros schubotzi, the alpine chameleon of Mount Kenya. In 2012, Jan Stipala clarified the taxonomy, describing the Aberdare population as Trioceros kinangopensis. Morphologically, it is barely distinguishable from T. schubotzi, yet represents a distinct lineage confined to the Aberdares.

This diminutive species is adapted to extreme elevations, often approaching 4000 m. It is characterized by its small size, large plate-like scales along the flanks, a yellowish to olive coloration, and reduced head and gular crests compared to other montane chameleons.

A recent short expedition organized by Jamie Shattenberg confirmed its survival. 

Kayden Withey located a specimen at nearly 4000 m, which was photographed by Jamie Shattenberg and kindly shared. The find underscores the resilience of this elusive reptile in harsh alpine conditions.

Trioceros kinangopensis remains poorly studied, its biology and conservation status largely unknown. Its persistence in such isolated, high-altitude pockets highlights both the fragility and uniqueness of Kenya's montane ecosystems, where even the smallest creatures carry evolutionary stories written in scales.