Chameleons belong to the Chamaeleonidae family, they are small scaly reptiles belonging to the sauropsid clade, most of the species live in forest environments, such as those found in Africa and Madagascar. Characteristic for the shape of their legs, the independent movement of their eyes and the structure of their tongue.
They are also famous for having the ability to change color or camouflage, an ability that not all chameleon species possess. The color change is not only done to blend in with the environment, it is also due to physiological and psychological changes. Then you can see the genres and types that exist of this beautiful animal. Discover in this article on our site the types of chameleons and their curiosities:
Genera of the family Chamaeleonidae
To correctly understand everything about the types of chameleons, we must detail that there are a total of 10 genera in this family, which are grouped into 2 subfamilies.
Subfamily Chamaeleoniae. This covers typical chameleons (normal sized species):
- Bradypodion - 25 species in South East Africa
- Calumma - 31 species in Madagascar
- Chamaeleo - 14 species in Europe, Africa and Asia
- Furcifer - 22 species in Madagascar and the country of Comoros
- Kinyongia - 18 species in sub-Saharan Africa
- Nadzikambia - 2 species in Mozambique and Malawi
- Archaius - 1 species in the Seychelles
Subfamily Brookesiinae. Covers the genera of dwarf chameleons:
- Brookesia - 30 species in Madagascar
- Rhampholeon - 18 species in East Africa
- Rieppeleon - 3 species in East Africa
As you can see, the Chamaeleonidae family is very extensive and most of the species live in Africa and Madagascar, where they find the best conditions to survive.
Smith's Dwarf Chameleon
In total there are 25 species that make up the genus Bradypodion, where the types of chameleons native to South-East Africa are grouped. Among the most outstanding species are the following:
- The Smith's dwarf chameleon is a reptile endemic to South Africa, in danger of extinction due to the destruction of its habitat. It uses its color change ability to camouflage itself, contrary to popular belief, it is one of the few chameleons with this ability.
- The Ituri chameleon is a reptile found in montane and lowland forests of Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and the Republic of Democratic of the Congo. In their normal state they are green with black spots, with variations in dark and light green. They measure approximately 20 cm, they are oviparous animals like all chameleons.
- The Drakensberg Chameleon gets its name from its habitat, the Drakensberg Mountains, Republic of South Africa. There are two subspecies, one of which is known as the emerald dwarf chameleon, because of its bright green color.
- The Fischer's chameleon is a mountain animal that can measure up to 32 cm, native to East Africa. They normally show white, green and yellow color. Its distinctive feature is its developed rostral process that can measure up to 2 cm in males, they can live up to 7 years.
The photograph shows Smith's dwarf chameleon.
Parson's Chameleon
The genus Calumma encompasses a total of 31 species of chameleon types:
In this genus we find the smallest of the typical or true chameleons, the calumma nasuta which measures only 10 cm, against position is the Parson's chameleon that can measure up to 80 cm.
The Parson's chameleon is precisely the best known and most representative animal of this genus, endemic to the forests of Madagascar. It can measure up to 80 cm and is, together with the Furcifer oustaleti, one of the largest, being the first in terms of the volume of its body.
They are turquoise with yellow or orange eyes or yellow lips. They have a velvety appearance thanks to the small and uniform scales they have. They are difficult to adopt, since since 1995 the Madagascar government prohibited their export.
In the photograph you can see a specimen of Parson's chameleon.
Jackson's Chameleon
The chameleons of the genus Chamaeleo comprise 14 species, which are native to Europe, Africa and Asia. Among their characteristics is that they have slow movements, a prehensile tail, independent eyes and a long tongue. The vast majority live in trees, however there are also species that prefer to live on land. They usually measure between 15 and 40 cm. Among the featured species are the following:
- The Jackson's chameleon is a very characteristic animal thanks to its 3 horns, which give it the appearance of a triceratops living. Native to East Africa, they are calm animals as long as 2 males are not together in the same cage, as they are very territorial. The female of this species gives birth to live young.
- The Meller's chameleon is a species that lives in East Africa. Adult males can measure up to 60 cm, have a small head compared to their body and have a kind of false horn. They are very long-lived, they can live up to 12 years, and in special cases they can reach 20 years of age.
- The Montium chameleon is a species that lives in West Africa. It is a chameleon with two horns and medium size. They can measure up to 30 cm and the males have 2 horns and the characteristic crest of West African chameleons.
In the image appears the Jackson's chameleon, which is characterized by its 3 horns.
Panther chameleon
The genus Furcifer has a total of 22 species, native to Madagascar Comoros. Two species stand out in this genus, the panther chameleon and the carpet chameleon:
- The Panther chameleon is one of the favorite species to keep in captivity. Originally from Madagascar, specifically from the Northeast, East and North of the country. They are a good size, without being gigantic. They are very resistant and have great adaptability. They can reach 55 cm, however it is common that they only reach 45 cm.
- The Carpet chameleon is native to Madagascar, the West and South of the country. They can measure up to 28 cm and can live up to 3 years in captivity.
The photograph shows a specimen of the Panther chameleon, one of the favorites by breeders.
Tiger Chameleon
In the genus Archaius there is only 1 species, we are talking about the Tiger chameleon It is an endemic species of the Seychelles Islands. I could get to measure up to 16 cm, they like to live in primary and secondary forests, where there is a great variety of vegetation.
There is also the genus Nadzikambia which includes only 2 species, a recently created genus in which chameleons are characteristic for being plesiform, that is, with an ancestral appearance.
In the photograph you can see a tiger chameleon.
Dwarf chameleons
They cover a total of 3 genera which are Brookesia, Rhampholeon and Rieppeleon, for a total of 51 species in these genera. They differ from the so-called true chameleons because they are very small animals compared to these. Below is more detail on these genres so that you can get to know them better:
- The Gender Brookesia is native to Madagascar, they can measure up to 10 cm. In this genus is the smallest species of chameleons, the Brookesia Micra that could measure up to 29 mm. They live in places that are difficult to access and have been discovered for about 30 years, thanks to their tiny size they have not been studied like other larger species.
- The scientifically known Pygmy chameleons in the genus Rhampholeon. They live in East Africa, in forests and bushes. They reach a maximum of 6 cm and are green, brown or greyish in color.
- The Genus Rieppeleon is made up of 3 species of small chameleons, native to East Africa. They can measure a maximum of 6 cm in adulthood.
In the image a specimen of Brookesia Micra appears on top of a match head.
A pet chameleon
If you have decided to adopt a chameleon as a pet, you should first find out about the care it requires as well as its diet. Each species may have very specific needs that we must meet in order to make it a long-lived, he althy and beautiful specimen.
Image from infoexoticos.com
