The Voeltzkow’s chameleon is one of the world’s most colorful animals. They were last seen in Madagascar 100 years ago, making them nearly extinct.
Fortunately, this elusive chameleon species was rediscovered by researchers last year during an expedition to the northwest of Madagascar. This chameleon is related to Labord’s chameleon, according to scientists from Germany’s Bavarian Natural History Collections of Zoologische Staatssammlung München (ZSM).
“I thought we might have a good chance of rediscovering Voeltzkow’s chameleon, but I was surprised that it took so long and that it was so difficult,” Frank Glaw, the lead author and expedition leader from ZSM said.
There might be some explanation for the thing that why this chameleon hasn’t been rediscovered all these years. Their life spans are short and they live in remote environments. Their habitat has been threatened due to deforestation.
Voeltzkow’s chameleons live in just a few months. Both males and females of this reptile only live during the rainy season. Here is their life cycle: hatch from eggs, grow rapidly, fight with rivals to find mates, and ends their life.
So far, there is no document about the female of this species. She displays the most colorful patterns when stressed, pregnant, and encounters with males.
H/T: Intelligent Living
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