Crested chameleon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Crested chameleon
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Iguania
Family:	Chamaeleonidae
Genus:	Trioceros
Species:	T. cristatus
Binomial name
Trioceros cristatus Stutchbury, 1837
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The crested chameleon (Trioceros cristatus) is a cool reptile found in the forests of Central Africa. People sometimes call it the sail-backed chameleon because of its unique look. These chameleons live in wooded areas and even on farms.

What is a Crested Chameleon?

Crested chameleons are a type of chameleon known for their interesting features. They are part of a group of chameleons called Trioceros. These creatures are masters of disguise, often changing their colors to blend in.

Where Do Crested Chameleons Live?

Crested chameleons are only found in Central Africa. You can spot them in many countries there. These include Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They also live in Gabon, Nigeria, and Ghana.

They like to live in different kinds of forests. This includes forests that have grown back after being cut down. They can also be found in areas where forests meet grasslands. Sometimes, they even live on farmland. These chameleons can be found from low lands up to about 900 meters (about 3,000 feet) high.

How Big Are They?

Crested chameleons are not huge, but they are quite noticeable. Female chameleons are usually bigger than males. A typical female can grow to be about 28 centimeters (11 inches) long. Males are a bit smaller, reaching about 25 centimeters (10 inches).

When it's time to lay eggs, females usually lay between 11 and 14 eggs. However, one time, an amazing 37 eggs were found in a single clutch!

Are Crested Chameleons Safe?

The places where crested chameleons live are changing. Forests are sometimes cut down or damaged. But these chameleons are pretty tough. They can still live in areas that have been disturbed.

Sometimes, people collect these chameleons to keep as pets. This can cause some local groups of chameleons to shrink. However, the crested chameleon lives across a very large area. This area is bigger than 1,000,000 square kilometers (about 386,000 square miles). Because they are so widespread, their numbers are not thought to be dropping too much overall.

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) checks on animals around the world. They have listed the crested chameleon as "Least Concern". This means they are not currently considered a threatened species.