Chameleon Silhouette III

The chameleons (Chamaeleonidae) are a family of iguanidae (Iguania) within the pangolinidae (Squamata). Chameleons are distributed throughout the African continent, including Madagascar, and are also found on the Arabian Peninsula and in the Mediterranean region. They are also found in western India and Sri Lanka. However, certain species have now been introduced to the U.S. states of Hawaii and Florida, where they inhabit non-native habitats.

In general, chameleons inhabit forested areas in warm regions, with few exceptions. Dryness and humidity play a rather minor role. The two subfamilies of the group prefer different habitats: the true chameleons are bush and tree dwellers. The body structure has adapted to life in the treetops (prehensile tail, prehensile feet). Nevertheless, among them there are also some species that inhabit the ground. Among the ground or stub-tailed chameleons, the foliage and herb layer is generally preferred as habitat.

Chameleons exhibit some typical physical characteristics. Their stocky trunk, high back, and compact skull are conspicuous. Characteristic features also include their specialized, independently movable eyes, prehensile hands, the distinctive color-changing ability of most species, and their long tongues that can be used for hunting. Chameleons can vary their body shape to some extent by inflating or spreading lobes located on the head (physiophrenia). This makes it difficult to accurately identify some species. Body shapes and characteristics are also highly variable within a species and depend on age and sex.