Antsingy leaf chameleon
Antsingy leaf chameleon | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Iguania |
Family: | Chamaeleonidae |
Genus: | Brookesia |
Species: | B. perarmata
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Binomial name | |
Brookesia perarmata Angel, 1933
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The Antsingy leaf chameleon (Brookesia perarmata) is a species of
This species is
Life
Although smaller than most chameleons, The Antsingy leaf chameleon is the largest of the Brookesia (dwarf) genus of chameleons which can grow up to eleven centimeters. This chameleon includes a non-prehensile tail that assists them in locomotion within the leaf litter on the forest ground. Distinguished by bilateral rows of thorny spines along the dorsal surface and its brown coloration. Chameleons can change colors, and this chameleon has a dull coloration. It is
Habitat
This ornate chameleon species occurs in dry, deciduous forest in Madagascar. This chameleon dwells on the forest floor among the dead leaves which it uses for camouflage and climbs up low plant branches when it's time to sleep.[6] The Antsingy Leaf Chameleon lives amongst leaf litter and requires primary, relatively untouched forest habitat. The species can be found within 100 to 430 meters above sea level in the west part of the park.[7] There may be some in the Réserve Naturelle Intégrale de Bemaraha.[8]
Threats
There are many threats to the Antsingy leaf chameleon's habitat but their decline in population was exacerbated due to collection for pet trade. These intricate leaf chameleons became a popular pet for many lizard enthusiasts in the 1980s and into the 90's and continue to draw attention from herpetoculturist.[9]
Conservation
This species has been listed as Endangered (EN) by
References
- . Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- ^ "Brookesia permata". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
- ^ "Brookesia Perarmata – Antsingy Leaf or Armoured Chameleon". My Chameleon Online. 27 August 2014. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
- ^ "Brookesia permata". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
- ^ "Brookesia Perarmata – Antsingy Leaf or Armoured Chameleon". My Chameleon Online. 27 August 2014. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
- ^ Randrianantoandro, J.C., Randrianavelona, R., Andriantsimanarilafy, R R., Fideline, H.E., Rakotondravony, D., Randrianasolo, M., Ravelomanantsoa, H.L. and Jenkins, R.K.B. 2008. Identifying priority areas for dwarf chameleon (Brookesia spp.) conservation in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar. Oryx 42: 578-573.
- ^ Glaw, F. and Vences, M. 2007. A Fieldguide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar. Third Edition. Vences & Glaw Verlag, Cologne.
- ^ Randrianantoandro, J.C., Randrianavelona, R., Andriantsimanarilafy, R R., Fideline, H.E., Rakotondravony, D., Randrianasolo, M., Ravelomanantsoa, H.L. and Jenkins, R.K.B. 2008. Identifying priority areas for dwarf chameleon (Brookesia spp.) conservation in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar. Oryx 42: 578-573.