The Fascinating Madagascar Chameleons..

Chameleons, a distinctive species of lizards, are recognized widely by their forked-shaped legs, their big bulging eyes that move very independently of each other, and sometimes by the horn or crest found on the distinctively shaped head.

They vary in color; pink, black, green, red, blue, orange, and much more. They are capable of changing colors(to convey emotions and communicate with mates) and are easily adapted to climbing. Some species, which have very long tongues, hunt insects at a distance of more than twice their bodies. They are sometimes taken as pets.



The island of Madagascar, close to Africa's Mozambique, is known widely as the home to more than 150 species of Chameleons. This post is about its endemic species, the furcifer Oustaleti or simply Malagasy Giant Chameleon.



As its name suggests, it is a very large species of chameleon, and can attain the maximum size of about 68.5 centimeters, and widely considered as the largest species of chameleons. They are widely spread across Madagascar, from villages to heavily modified areas by humans, though they are less at primary forests.

It changes colors often to communicate with mates, defend their territories and convey emotions. It is an opportunistic hunter, waiting for a prey to come withing the range of its tongue. Then, when time is right, it acquire its prey using its very long muscular tongue. The diet includes large invertebrates.



Their eyes allows them to have a 360 degrees vision about their body and although they have no apparent ears, they are not deaf. They have a very strange way of moving, usually moving very slowly and cautiously, rocking back and forth with each step.