Parson's chameleon

Parsons Chameleon ( Calumma p. Parsonii ) ♂

Parsons Chameleon ( Calumma parsonii ) is one with a total length up to 70 centimeters of the largest representatives of the Chamaeleonidae family and belongs to the genus Calumma.

Distribution and habitat

Parsons chameleon lives exclusively in the north and east of Madagascar, especially on the island of Sainte Marie. Its habitat are the heavily wooded treetops of the rainforest from a height of about 5 feet.

Features

There are two known subspecies. The widespread Calumma p. parsonii ( Cuvier, 1824) reaches a length up to 68 inches and has no dorsal crest. Calumma p. cristifer ( Methuen & Hewitt, 1913) from near Andasibe, however, only reached 47 centimeters. However, this subspecies has a small dorsal crest. In both subspecies, the males are larger than females.

From Calumma p. parsonii are known different colors. However, it is not clear whether there are new morphs or subspecies. Currently, it is believed that it is morphs. The following variants are known:

• "Orange Eye" or "White- lipped ": Here the male is colored relatively small and green or turquoise. The eyelid is striking yellow or orange.

• "Yellow Lip": The male is slightly larger and mainly green to turquoise. It also has a yellow border around the mouth.

• "Yellow Giant": The male very large and yellow.

• " Green Giant ": The male is colored green.

Behavior and lifestyles

Nutrition

Parsons chameleons hunt during the day in trees for insects and small vertebrates.

Reproduction

The female buries 20-38 eggs about 30 inches deep in the soil. After 400-520 days slip the pups. Outside the breeding season Parsons chameleon lives solitarily.

Protection status

Parsons Chameleon has the protection status of the Washington Convention II