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.