Toothed leaf chameleon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Toothed leaf chameleon |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Brookesia
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| Species: |
dentata
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The toothed leaf chameleon, also known as Brookesia dentata, is a special kind of chameleon. It lives only in the northwestern part of Madagascar, an island country off the coast of Africa. This small chameleon was first officially described by a scientist named Mocquard in 1900. Sadly, its home is shrinking because of people collecting charcoal, forest fires, and cattle eating its habitat.
Where Does It Live?
The toothed leaf chameleon is found only in northwestern Madagascar. Scientists have seen it in places like Andasibe, Mandraka, and Angavo-Anjozorobe. It usually lives in areas that are about 200 meters (about 656 feet) above sea level.
Why Is It Endangered?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the toothed leaf chameleon as an endangered species. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. It is endangered because it lives in a small area, mostly around Ankarafantsika, which is about 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles). Even though it might live in a slightly larger area of up to 2,700 square kilometers (1,042 square miles), its home is getting smaller and smaller.
The main reasons its habitat is shrinking are:
- People collecting charcoal from the forests.
- Forest fires.
- Cattle grazing and eating the plants where the chameleons live.
Because its home is disappearing, the number of toothed leaf chameleons is also going down. The good news is that this chameleon is protected by law in Madagascar. People are only allowed to collect them if they have special permission.
About Its Name
The toothed leaf chameleon was first given its scientific name, Brookesia dentata, by a scientist named Mocquard in 1900. Since then, many other scientists have studied and described it. Its common name, "toothed leaf chameleon," helps us imagine what it might look like, perhaps blending in with leaves with its unique features.
