Chameleons

Today I will post a few pictures of Chameleons. These little creatures have been fascinating me, since I got across my first individual, as a child many years ago.

Starting with the feet and hands that are so unusual, with two fingers on two opposing sides, they look almost surreal. The entire body is really weird. Of course the eyes are something absolutely special. Chameleons are able to move their eyes independently. They can simultaneously look up and down, making you dizzy as a observer. And last but not least: the skin! Chameleons can change the color of their skin according to their surroundings. This feature is very rare among animals and is truly amazing and breathtaking.

I will post more pictures on a later occasion and I will then write about more details on the biological mechanisms behind, and the implications of, Chameleon physiology.

Here are a few pictures of the Kilimanjaro two-horned Chameleon (Kinyonga tavetana). This species is endemic to Tanzania and adjacent Kenya. It has been found in Afromontane forest on the slopes of several northern Tanzanian mountains, such as Kilimanjaro and Meru. They inhabit forested habitats, but can also be found on forest borders and transformed habitats in vicinity of forests. Conservation status: near threatened.

 

Mkomazi NP

This was taken in Mkomazi National Park in northern Tanzania. This park was officially listed as National Park in 2006 and was a game reserve before that. It is situated on the border to Kenya and is directly connected to Tsavo West National Park. Mkomazi is a word from the local dialect and means "a spoon of water" (Mko = spoon, mazi = water). The park has a population of African wild dogs and breeding black Rhinoceros (in a patrolled sanctuary), which makes it internationally recognized.

When I went there in  2013 with a group of friends, we were the only people there for an entire week-end. Considering how many tourists one usually finds in the other National Parks of northern Tanzania, it was a truly amazing experience.

The populations of animals there are not as abundant as in other parks and they are not as used to cars, which makes them comparatively shy, but it makes the experience more special and enjoyable. I can fully recommend going there, you will not regret it.