Calumma tarzan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calumma tarzan |
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| Male Calumma tarzan | |
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Calumma
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| Species: |
tarzan
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The Calumma tarzan, also known as the Tarzan chameleon, is a special type of lizard. It belongs to the Chamaeleonidae family, which includes all chameleons. This unique chameleon lives only in the Alaotra-Mangoro region of Madagascar. It was discovered and named in 2010.
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What's in a Name? The Tarzan Chameleon
Why is it Called Tarzan?
The name tarzan was given to this chameleon to honor Tarzan. Tarzan is a famous fictional character who lives in the jungle. He was created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Scientists chose this name to highlight the chameleon's home in the forests of Madagascar.
What Does the Tarzan Chameleon Look Like?
Size and Color of C. tarzan
The Tarzan chameleon is about 119–150 mm (4.7–5.9 in) long from its nose to the tip of its tail. Its body, from nose to where the tail starts, is about 61–72 mm (2.4–2.8 in) long. It has a unique "spade-like" snout that sticks out a little bit.
This chameleon is usually green or light yellow. When it feels stressed or scared, it can show a dark band across its body. Unlike many other chameleons, the Tarzan chameleon has a very flat top of its head, called a casque.
How Can You Tell Males and Females Apart?
Differences Between Male and Female Tarzan Chameleons
Male and female Tarzan chameleons look a bit different. Males have a brown or blackish color on their casque (the top of their head) and neck. Females, however, keep their green or light yellow color on their casque and neck. Also, the males have a more noticeable rectangular shape to their snout than the females do.
Where Do Tarzan Chameleons Live?
Habitat of C. tarzan
The Tarzan chameleon lives only in the central eastern part of Madagascar. You can find these chameleons in small pieces of forest near a place called Tarzanville. This area is in the Province of Moramanga, Madagascar.
How Do Tarzan Chameleons Have Babies?
Reproduction of C. tarzan
The Tarzan chameleon reproduces by laying eggs. This means it is an oviparous species.
Why is the Tarzan Chameleon Important to Protect?
Protecting the Tarzan Chameleon's Home
Madagascar's forests are facing a big problem called habitat fragmentation. This means the large forests are being broken up into smaller, separate pieces. Even protected areas in Madagascar suffer from this. This breaking up of forests makes it hard for many animals to find enough space to live.
Scientists have called the Tarzan chameleon a "flagship species." This means it's a special animal that helps draw attention to conservation efforts. Because of its bright colors and the fact that its home area doesn't have many other famous animals like lemurs, the Tarzan chameleon is used to show why it's so important to protect these fragmented forests in Madagascar. By protecting this chameleon, people hope to protect its entire forest home.
