It is one of the largest and most visually striking chameleons in the world, endemic to the lush rainforests of Madagascar. This impressive reptile can reach lengths of up to 68 centimeters (about 27 inches), including the tail, making it a giant among chameleons.

One of the Parson’s chameleon’s most notable features is its ability to change colors, a characteristic common to all chameleons. These color changes serve various purposes, including thermoregulation, communication, and camouflage. While their default color tends to be a vibrant green, which helps them blend into the foliage, they can exhibit a wide array of colors ranging from blues to yellows and even reds. The intensity and patterns of these colors can vary between individuals and sometimes between sexes, with males often displaying more pronounced and brighter colors, especially during the mating season or when involved in territorial disputes.

In terms of behavior, the Parson’s chameleon is a solitary and predominantly arboreal animal, spending most of its life in the trees. It has a slow and deliberate manner of movement, with a distinctive swaying gait that mimics the movement of leaves and branches in the wind, further aiding its disguise. Its diet consists primarily of insects, which it captures with its long, sticky tongue that can be rapidly extended to snatch prey from a distance.

Unfortunately, the Parson’s chameleon is facing significant threats in the wild. One of the primary challenges is excessive collection, both for the pet trade and local use. This overexploitation, coupled with habitat destruction due to deforestation for timber and agriculture, has led to a decline in their populations.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Madagascar

NT

2011