Chameleons

Chameleons are slow-moving, tree-dwelling

lizards known for their colour-changing properties
and their long, sticky tongue. There are over 160
different types of chameleons. Some are as tiny as
3cm long, while others grow up to about 70cm.
Chameleons have four legs with five toes, also
called pincers, on each foot. They use these to grab
onto branches of trees as they climb. They have a
prehensile tail, which
means they can use it like
a hand to grab onto
branches.
The chameleons eyes can rotate and swivel
independently, enabling them to see almost a
complete 360-degree turn. This way they can
observe two things at the same time. Also their
tongues can be as long as their bodies. Chameleons
can balance on a branch by gripping it with their
claws and wrapping their
tail around the branch to
hold on. Chameleons can
even sleep upside down!
The chameleons tongue can be up to twice the
length of its body. It has a sucker on the end, and
the chameleon will shoot it out at a great speed to
snap up its prey. The Chameleon keeps its tongue
curled up at the back of the mouth until it is time
to strike. Chameleons eat mostly insects such as
locusts, crickets, stick insects and worms.
Some larger species can
also eat mice and birds.
Most chameleons are found in Africa as well as on
the island country of Madagascar. Some are also
found in southern Europe, southern India, the
Middle East, Sri Lanka, and several smaller islands
in the western Indian Ocean. They live in varied
habitats, from rainforests to grasslands and even
deserts.
Unlike many other reptiles, chameleons cannot re-
grow their tails. Most chameleons are arboreal"
creatures, meaning they dwell mainly in the "trees"
and are rarely seen walking on the ground unless
preparing to lay eggs or for hunting. There are
some rare species that live most of their entire lives
on the ground,
under leaves!
A chameleon is able to change its skin colour
quickly. Chameleons may be green, yellow or
white one minute, and brown or black the next.
Many people think chameleons change colour to
blend in with their surroundings. But scientific
studies show that light, temperature, and mood
cause chameleons
to change colour.
Besides changing colours and patterns,
chameleons also talk to each other by flattening
themselves sideways to look taller, rocking from
side to side, curling and uncurling their tails and
opening their mouths.
Today, many chameleon species are considered
to be threatened with extinction, and other
chameleon species are even considered to be
endangered. The declining chameleon numbers
are most likely due to habitat changes such as
pollution and deforestation.
Did you know?
Chameleons are often kept as household pets.
A chameleon can change its colour in 20
seconds.
The word Chameleon means little lion.