CHAMAELEON

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Chamaeleon

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) General Characteristics of Chamaeleon

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status

8) Special features

9) Identification

Introduction

Chameleons are a group of reptiles belonging to the family Chamaeleonidae. Known for their extraordinary ability to change color, chameleons are native to Africa, Madagascar, southern Europe, and parts of Asia. They are arboreal lizards with unique adaptations like independently moving eyes and a projectile tongue. These fascinating creatures are symbols of biodiversity and ecological adaptability.

Classification of Chamaeleon

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Reptilia (Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.)
Sub Class :- Diapsida (Skull with two temporal openings separated by post-orbital and squamosal.)
Order :- Squamata (Lizards and snakes with horny epidermal scales or shields. Quadrate bone movable. Vertebrae procoelous. Anal opening transverse.. Vertebrae amphicentrous.)
Sub-order :- Iguania (Lizards. Body slender, limbs 4. Pterygoid in contact with quadrate. Eyelids movable.)
Family :- Chamaeleonidae (Changes colour, Tail prehensile.)
Genus :- Chamaeleon

Geographical distribution

Chamaeleon has world-wide distribution. It is found in Africa, Madagascar, Southern Arabia, Spain, Europe, Asia, Syria, India and Sri Lanka.

Habit and habitat

It is arboreal and feeds on insects.

General Characteristics of Chamaeleon

Chamaeleon is the most favourite diapsidan lizard having compressed body covered with scales and divided into head, neck, trunk and tail.
Trunk region occupying most part of the body is slightly bent and contains row of spines or crest along mid-dorsal line.
Head has wide mouth, large eyes, small nostrils and backwardly directed hood or helmet formed by squamosal and occipital bones. Skull and atlas joined by a proatlas.
Eyes large covered with a thick glandular lid pierced by a small central opening for pupil. Eyes adapted for binocular vision; they work independently while catching insects.
Tip of tongue club-shaped and mucus-coated. Tongue projectile and can be shot several inches beyond head to catch insect or prey.
Acrodont teeth are found on maxillaries and mandible. Premaxillaries and palate without teeth.
Both forelimbs and hind limbs well developed. The claws are syndactylus in which digits are found in groups.
The toes are opposed (2 versus 3) for grasping branches of trees.
Tail prehensile and meant for coiling round branches of trees. Cloaca is ventrally situated.
Lungs end in several diverticula or air sacs ending in body. Tympanum and tympanic cavity absent.
Quadrate immovable and vertebrae procoelous. Jacobson’s organs and sensory part of nose absent.

Ecological Importance

Predation Control: Chameleons are insectivores, feeding on a variety of insects and arthropods. By regulating pest populations, they contribute to maintaining ecological balance.
Prey for Predators: As part of the food web, chameleons serve as prey for birds, snakes, and other larger predators, supporting ecosystem dynamics.
Indicator Species: Sensitive to environmental changes, chameleons act as bioindicators of habitat health and biodiversity.

Conservation Status

Threat Levels:
- Conservation statuses vary widely among chameleon species.
  - Furcifer pardalis (Panther Chameleon): Least Concern.
  - Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon): Near Threatened.
  - Bradypodion taeniabronchum (Ngome Dwarf Chameleon): Critically Endangered.
Threats:
- Habitat destruction due to deforestation and agriculture.
- Illegal pet trade and overcollection from the wild.
- Climate change affecting their specialized habitats.
Conservation Efforts:
- Establishing protected areas and reserves, particularly in Madagascar.
- International trade regulations under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
- Awareness campaigns to reduce habitat destruction and illegal trade.

Special features

Color Change Ability:
- Chameleons can change their skin color using specialized cells called chromatophores and iridophores.
- Color changes serve purposes such as communication, camouflage, and thermoregulation.
Unique Vision:
- Each eye can move independently, providing a 360-degree field of vision.
- Their depth perception and focus allow precise targeting of prey.
Projectile Tongue: Chameleons have a long, sticky tongue that can extend rapidly to capture prey.
Zygodactylous Feet and Prehensile Tail: Their feet and tails are adapted for gripping branches, aiding their arboreal lifestyle.
Slow Movement and Stealth: Their deliberate, swaying movements mimic leaves in the wind, helping avoid predators.