Joe Kahlo
Scientists have found a very elusive chameleon species that was last spotted in Madagascar 100 years ago.
Researchers from Madagascar and Germany said that they discovered several living specimens of Voeltzkow’s chameleon during an expedition to the northwest of Madagascar.
The team led by scientists from Bavaria, said genetic analysis determined that the species is closely related to Labords’s Chameleon (below).
Researchers believe that both these reptiles only live during the rainy season, hatching from eggs, growing rapidly, sparring with rivals to mate and then dying in just a few short months!
They have been dubbed the “mayflies among vertebrae” as mayflies lifespan is often only 5 minutes long!
Females of the species, who have never been documented, display extremely colourful patterns during pregnancy, during encounters with males and also when stressed.
The Voeltkow’s chameleons habitat is under threat, from deforestation. Please remember to do your part to save our environment.
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