Brookesia thieli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brookesia thieli |
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Brookesia
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| Species: |
thieli
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The Brookesia thieli, also known as Domergue's leaf chameleon or Thiel's pygmy chameleon, is a tiny lizard. It belongs to the Chamaeleonidae family, which means it's a type of chameleon. This special chameleon lives only in eastern Madagascar.
Scientists first described this species in 1969. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says it is a "least concern" species. This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing. Brookesia thieli is found in an area about 43,865 square kilometers wide. It lives at high places, between 875 and 1,200 meters above sea level.
What's in a Name?
The second part of the chameleon's scientific name, thieli, honors a French botanist. His name was Jean Thiel. He was an expert on plants found in tropical forests.
Where Does It Live?
The Domergue's leaf chameleon is found only in eastern Madagascar. Its first known home was a place called Ambodimanga. You can find this chameleon from Ranomafana in the south to Anjanaharibe-Sud in the north.
This chameleon has also been seen in other areas. These include Ambohitantely, Angavo-Anjozorobe, and Marojejy. It prefers to live in natural forests. It can be found at heights between 875 and 1,200 meters (about 2,870 to 3,937 feet) above sea level. Scientists believe it lives across a large area, around 43,865 square kilometers (about 16,936 square miles).
How Does It Reproduce?
The Brookesia thieli is an oviparous animal. This means that the female chameleon lays eggs.
