Rhampholeon chapmanorum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhampholeon chapmanorum |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Rhampholeon
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| Species: |
chapmanorum
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Rhampholeon chapmanorum, also known as Chapmans' pygmy chameleon, is a very small type of chameleon. It is a lizard that belongs to the family Chamaeleonidae. This special chameleon lives only in small parts of forests in the Natundu Hills, Malawi. It was first described by a scientist named Colin R. Tilbury in 1992. He found it in a lowland rainforest area called the Matandwe Forest Reserve.
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What's in a Name?
The second part of its scientific name, chapmanorum, is a way to honor two naturalists. They were a husband and wife team named James D. "Jim" Chapman and Elisabeth G. "Betty" Chapman. They studied nature in Africa.
Where Does It Live?
Scientists first thought that R. chapmanorum could be found in many different mountains and hills. However, after more studies, they learned that this chameleon lives only in the remaining forests in Malawi. Other similar chameleons found in Mozambique actually belong to different species. They live on their own separate mountains.
How It Reproduces
R. chapmanorum is an oviparous animal. This means that the female chameleon lays eggs.
Facing Dangers: Threats and Conservation
The Chapmans' pygmy chameleon is in serious danger. It is listed as Critically Endangered, which means it is very close to disappearing forever. Some even think it might already be extinct.
The biggest threats to this chameleon are people changing its home. Forests are being cut down to make space for farms. Trees are also being removed for small logging operations. This has left the chameleon with only two tiny patches of forest to live in. Each patch is about 0.6 square kilometers (0.23 square miles) in size.
This chameleon needs healthy forest floors to find its food. It cannot live in forests that have been changed or disturbed by humans. This makes its suitable home even smaller. The last time some of these chameleons were seen was in 1998.
This species is very small. It grows to a total length of about 62 millimeters (2.4 inches), including its tail. Even though it's tiny, only small groups of these chameleons can survive in these small forest areas. There are some other forest areas about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) north. But these areas have been recently cleared and disturbed, so they are not suitable for the chameleon.
The Chapmans' pygmy chameleon is also on the EDGE list of Reptiles. It is number 49 on this list, which highlights unique and endangered species.
