O'Shaughnessy's chameleon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids O'Shaughnessy's chameleon |
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| Calumma oshaughnessyi | |
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Calumma
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| Species: |
oshaughnessyi
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| Geographic range of O'Shaughnessy's chameleon | |
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The O'Shaughnessy's chameleon (Calumma oshaughnessyi) is a special type of chameleon. It is a lizard that belongs to the Chamaeleonidae family. These chameleons live only in Madagascar, an island country off the coast of Africa.
This chameleon was named after Arthur O'Shaughnessy. He was a British poet and also studied reptiles and amphibians.
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Where O'Shaughnessy's Chameleons Live
O'Shaughnessy's chameleons live in the southeastern part of Madagascar's central highlands. Their home covers a large area, about 18,000 square kilometers (6,950 square miles).
They need healthy, wet forests to survive. These chameleons are found in places like Tsinjoarivo, Ambatolampy in the north and Andohahela National Park in the south. They do not live as well in forests where trees have been cut down.
What O'Shaughnessy's Chameleons Look Like
O'Shaughnessy's chameleons are related to the Parson's chameleon. They look similar in shape and color, but they are a bit smaller.
The first scientist to describe this chameleon was Albert Günther. He noted that a male chameleon he studied was about 39.4 centimeters (15.5 inches) long. Its tail made up a big part of that length, about 22.9 centimeters (9 inches).
These chameleons are mostly brownish-gray. Their throat and jaw areas are usually darker. Male O'Shaughnessy's chameleons have a short, bony bump on their nose. Females do not have this special feature.
How O'Shaughnessy's Chameleons Behave
Scientists studied O'Shaughnessy's chameleons in 1997. They found that adult chameleons are most active during the morning and evening. This is when they move around and look for food.
Protecting O'Shaughnessy's Chameleons
Even though O'Shaughnessy's chameleons can be common in some areas, they are seriously at risk. Their numbers are going down, and their homes are becoming separated.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists them as a vulnerable species. This means they could become endangered if their situation does not improve.
The biggest danger to these chameleons is the loss of their forest homes. This happens because of logging and cutting down trees. There are also some reports of illegal trading of these chameleons.
Many O'Shaughnessy's chameleons live in protected areas. However, if more of their habitat is lost, these groups could become cut off from each other. This would make it harder for them to survive.
