IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group
@iucnchameleons.bsky.social
The Chameleon Specialist Group is a network of dedicated experts who promote, and support, the conservation and sustainable use of wild chameleons.
Article examines the occipital-lobed chameleons of Madagascar. Their analysis suggests that some taxa show signs of ancestral introgressive hybridization, however most currently recognized species are supported as deep monophyletic lineages.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
July 11, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Article examines the occipital-lobed chameleons of Madagascar. Their analysis suggests that some taxa show signs of ancestral introgressive hybridization, however most currently recognized species are supported as deep monophyletic lineages.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Unlike birds (& presumably other reptiles) an embryonic patterning & gastrulation study of Chamaeleo calyptratus finds that chameleons exhibit a human embryo-like pre-gastrulation morphology, forming a central, fluid-filled cavity within the epiblast cells.
Article: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Article: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
June 12, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Unlike birds (& presumably other reptiles) an embryonic patterning & gastrulation study of Chamaeleo calyptratus finds that chameleons exhibit a human embryo-like pre-gastrulation morphology, forming a central, fluid-filled cavity within the epiblast cells.
Article: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Article: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
A new article examining the implantation & attachment tissues of chameleon teeth redefines acrodont attachment geometry and describes previously undocumented tissue at the junction between the jaw and teeth in chameleons.
Article: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Article: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
June 12, 2026 at 3:09 PM
A new article examining the implantation & attachment tissues of chameleon teeth redefines acrodont attachment geometry and describes previously undocumented tissue at the junction between the jaw and teeth in chameleons.
Article: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Article: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
An article reports on observations of vinesnakes feeding on Chamaeleo dilepis in Mozambique highlighting the transition to a terrestrial conclusion of the predation events for these two arboreal specialists as an example of complex feeding dynamics.
Article: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Article: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
June 11, 2026 at 3:08 PM
An article reports on observations of vinesnakes feeding on Chamaeleo dilepis in Mozambique highlighting the transition to a terrestrial conclusion of the predation events for these two arboreal specialists as an example of complex feeding dynamics.
Article: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Article: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
New article examines the spatial distribution & microhabitat use of introduced Chamaeleo chamaeleon in Malta finding higher densities in northern localities with more structurally complex vegetation & documents partial ontogenetic niche partitioning.
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
May 20, 2026 at 2:20 AM
New article examines the spatial distribution & microhabitat use of introduced Chamaeleo chamaeleon in Malta finding higher densities in northern localities with more structurally complex vegetation & documents partial ontogenetic niche partitioning.
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
The length of & the number of caudal vertebrae in the chameleon tail varies considerably, which is often associated with variation in the habitats each species occupy. More terrestrial species tend to have shorter tails than more arboreal species.
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
May 9, 2026 at 5:08 PM
The length of & the number of caudal vertebrae in the chameleon tail varies considerably, which is often associated with variation in the habitats each species occupy. More terrestrial species tend to have shorter tails than more arboreal species.
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
Almost every year we continue to learn more about chameleon vision, the anatomy of their visual system, and the neural and behavioral implications of their independently moving eyes. So much more to learn from these incredible animals!
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
May 9, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Almost every year we continue to learn more about chameleon vision, the anatomy of their visual system, and the neural and behavioral implications of their independently moving eyes. So much more to learn from these incredible animals!
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
A new article examines the trade of reptiles for food, traditional medicine, and crafts in the capital of Cameroon documents dried chameleons sold for traditional medicines.
Article link: www.herpconbio.org/Volume_21/Is...
Article link: www.herpconbio.org/Volume_21/Is...
May 9, 2026 at 4:56 PM
A new article examines the trade of reptiles for food, traditional medicine, and crafts in the capital of Cameroon documents dried chameleons sold for traditional medicines.
Article link: www.herpconbio.org/Volume_21/Is...
Article link: www.herpconbio.org/Volume_21/Is...
May 9, 2026 at 2:05 PM
We are currently performing assessments & reassessments of many chameleon species to update their conservation picture. When you include the number of species that have not yet been assessed or are currently Data Deficient, as many as 51.67% may be threatened!
#InternationalChameleonDay
#InternationalChameleonDay
May 9, 2026 at 1:49 PM
We are currently performing assessments & reassessments of many chameleon species to update their conservation picture. When you include the number of species that have not yet been assessed or are currently Data Deficient, as many as 51.67% may be threatened!
#InternationalChameleonDay
#InternationalChameleonDay
72 of the currently recognized 240 chameleon species have been described since 2006! Here is an article on the 4 newest species highlighting the conservation risk to them.
Article link: theconversation.com/mozambique-s...
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
Article link: theconversation.com/mozambique-s...
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
May 9, 2026 at 1:32 PM
72 of the currently recognized 240 chameleon species have been described since 2006! Here is an article on the 4 newest species highlighting the conservation risk to them.
Article link: theconversation.com/mozambique-s...
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
Article link: theconversation.com/mozambique-s...
#InternationalChameleonDay #chameleondayMay9
Tomorrow (May 9) is International Chameleon Day! Here is an interview with The Revalator pitching to increase education on chameleons globally & locally in range states year round & discussing the conservation of chameleons.
therevelator.org/chameleons-c...
therevelator.org/chameleons-c...
May 8, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Tomorrow (May 9) is International Chameleon Day! Here is an interview with The Revalator pitching to increase education on chameleons globally & locally in range states year round & discussing the conservation of chameleons.
therevelator.org/chameleons-c...
therevelator.org/chameleons-c...
Reposted by IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group
We need to talk about #chameleons.
When I started researching this article, I found there had been almost no coverage of chameleon conservation issues over the past few years. It's time to change that: therevelator.org/chameleons-c...
When I started researching this article, I found there had been almost no coverage of chameleon conservation issues over the past few years. It's time to change that: therevelator.org/chameleons-c...
Even Chameleons Can’t Hide From Climate Change • The Revelator
These amazing, camouflaged reptiles have adapted to life in unique microhabitats, but that’s also made them more vulnerable to disruption.
therevelator.org
May 6, 2026 at 7:50 PM
We need to talk about #chameleons.
When I started researching this article, I found there had been almost no coverage of chameleon conservation issues over the past few years. It's time to change that: therevelator.org/chameleons-c...
When I started researching this article, I found there had been almost no coverage of chameleon conservation issues over the past few years. It's time to change that: therevelator.org/chameleons-c...
A press release on the 4 new species of Nadzikambia described this week highlights the conservation risk to these newly described species.
Article link: theconversation.com/mozambique-s...
Article link: theconversation.com/mozambique-s...
April 24, 2026 at 3:19 PM
A press release on the 4 new species of Nadzikambia described this week highlights the conservation risk to these newly described species.
Article link: theconversation.com/mozambique-s...
Article link: theconversation.com/mozambique-s...
4 new species of sylvan chameleons (Nadzikambia) are described from allopatric Sky Island populations in Mozambique using an integrative taxonomic approach & may already be in imminent danger of extinction due to intense pressure from deforestation.
vertebrate-zoology.arphahub.com/article/1784...
vertebrate-zoology.arphahub.com/article/1784...
April 21, 2026 at 5:18 PM
4 new species of sylvan chameleons (Nadzikambia) are described from allopatric Sky Island populations in Mozambique using an integrative taxonomic approach & may already be in imminent danger of extinction due to intense pressure from deforestation.
vertebrate-zoology.arphahub.com/article/1784...
vertebrate-zoology.arphahub.com/article/1784...
During radiotelemetry studies on Bradypodion damaranum, feeding events at low air temperatures in free ranging animals, thermal escape behaviors associated with extreme heat (38ºC) & deliberate feeding on berries & flowers was observed.
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
April 20, 2026 at 2:45 PM
During radiotelemetry studies on Bradypodion damaranum, feeding events at low air temperatures in free ranging animals, thermal escape behaviors associated with extreme heat (38ºC) & deliberate feeding on berries & flowers was observed.
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
A new article argues that a new C. dilepis complex species is invalid under ICZN rules, the description does not uphold the claims made to define the new species, & that elevation of additional subspecies to species status are premature.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
April 14, 2026 at 1:49 PM
A new article argues that a new C. dilepis complex species is invalid under ICZN rules, the description does not uphold the claims made to define the new species, & that elevation of additional subspecies to species status are premature.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
We made it to the third round, one step closer to a $10,000 prize to support chameleon conservation! Please vote again for Rhampholeon acuminatus to help us secure this funding! You can vote every day on every device! Voting for the third round ends on March 26! Vote now!
We advanced to the 2nd round of the Indianapolis Zoo's Uproar Conservation Challenge! Now vote for Rhampholeon acuminatus in round 2 to help our species advance again & bring us closer to the $10,000 conservation prize!
Round 2 voting ends March 23 & can be done at www.UproarChallenge.com
Round 2 voting ends March 23 & can be done at www.UproarChallenge.com
March 25, 2026 at 8:19 AM
We made it to the third round, one step closer to a $10,000 prize to support chameleon conservation! Please vote again for Rhampholeon acuminatus to help us secure this funding! You can vote every day on every device! Voting for the third round ends on March 26! Vote now!
We advanced to the 2nd round of the Indianapolis Zoo's Uproar Conservation Challenge! Now vote for Rhampholeon acuminatus in round 2 to help our species advance again & bring us closer to the $10,000 conservation prize!
Round 2 voting ends March 23 & can be done at www.UproarChallenge.com
Round 2 voting ends March 23 & can be done at www.UproarChallenge.com
March 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM
We advanced to the 2nd round of the Indianapolis Zoo's Uproar Conservation Challenge! Now vote for Rhampholeon acuminatus in round 2 to help our species advance again & bring us closer to the $10,000 conservation prize!
Round 2 voting ends March 23 & can be done at www.UproarChallenge.com
Round 2 voting ends March 23 & can be done at www.UproarChallenge.com
Help Rhampholeon acuminatus come roaring back by casting your vote in the Indianapolis Zoo's Uproar Conservation Challenge! Every vote helps our species advance to the next round and brings us closer to the $10,000 conservation prize!
Round one voting ends March 19 www.UproarChallenge.com
Round one voting ends March 19 www.UproarChallenge.com
March 18, 2026 at 10:44 PM
Help Rhampholeon acuminatus come roaring back by casting your vote in the Indianapolis Zoo's Uproar Conservation Challenge! Every vote helps our species advance to the next round and brings us closer to the $10,000 conservation prize!
Round one voting ends March 19 www.UproarChallenge.com
Round one voting ends March 19 www.UproarChallenge.com
Help earn conservation funding for chameleons by voting to advance the Nguru Spiny Pygmy Chameleon (Rhampholeon acuminatus) through the Indianapolis Zoo Uproar Conservation Challenge starting March 16. www.indianapoliszoo.com/uproar-conse...
March 12, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Help earn conservation funding for chameleons by voting to advance the Nguru Spiny Pygmy Chameleon (Rhampholeon acuminatus) through the Indianapolis Zoo Uproar Conservation Challenge starting March 16. www.indianapoliszoo.com/uproar-conse...
An article on global patterns & trends in the international trade in reptiles from 2000-2023 shows that while 42.5% of all chameleon exports represented wild-caught animals, wild & ranched exports has declined over that period, while captive-origin exports increased
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
March 12, 2026 at 7:53 PM
An article on global patterns & trends in the international trade in reptiles from 2000-2023 shows that while 42.5% of all chameleon exports represented wild-caught animals, wild & ranched exports has declined over that period, while captive-origin exports increased
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
An article on Brookesia nana natural history, the smallest chameleon species, finds only 0.33 individuals per 100m, suggesting a need for targeted conservation initiatives, & reports roost characteristics, & mass & length measurements for 2 hatchling individuals.
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
March 12, 2026 at 7:22 PM
An article on Brookesia nana natural history, the smallest chameleon species, finds only 0.33 individuals per 100m, suggesting a need for targeted conservation initiatives, & reports roost characteristics, & mass & length measurements for 2 hatchling individuals.
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
herpetologynotes.org/index.php/hn...
A new article on chameleon assemblages in Madagascar finds abundance is influenced by seasonal variation, population structure is female-biased, niche partitioning by vertical stratification of roost site preference & community structure driven by microhabitat use.
doi.org/10.1186/s128...
doi.org/10.1186/s128...
December 15, 2025 at 4:57 PM
A new article on chameleon assemblages in Madagascar finds abundance is influenced by seasonal variation, population structure is female-biased, niche partitioning by vertical stratification of roost site preference & community structure driven by microhabitat use.
doi.org/10.1186/s128...
doi.org/10.1186/s128...
Article examining the development of tooth attachment tissue in veiled chameleons to reveal the cellular processes establishing & the cell types contributing to ankylosis finds both odontoblast- & osteoblast-like characteristics of cells producing the attachment tissue
doi.org/10.1111/joa....
doi.org/10.1111/joa....
December 1, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Article examining the development of tooth attachment tissue in veiled chameleons to reveal the cellular processes establishing & the cell types contributing to ankylosis finds both odontoblast- & osteoblast-like characteristics of cells producing the attachment tissue
doi.org/10.1111/joa....
doi.org/10.1111/joa....