About Calumma oshaughnessyi (Günther, 1881)
Taxonomy and Relationship to Other Species
O'Shaughnessy's chameleon, scientifically named Calumma oshaughnessyi (Günther, 1881), is closely related to Parson's chameleon.
It shares similar shape and coloration with Parson's chameleon, but is slightly smaller in size.
Type Specimen Description
Albert Günther, the scientist who first formally described this species, recorded that the type specimen is a male with a total length of 15.5 inches (39.4 cm), including a 9-inch (22.9 cm) tail.
Coloration
The species is mostly brownish gray, with darker coloration on the throat and jaw.
Sexual Dimorphism
While it does not have horns, males have a short, bony structure on the snout that females lack.
Geographic Range
O'Shaughnessy's chameleon occupies a geographic range of approximately 18,000 square kilometers (6,950 square miles) across the southeastern part of Madagascar's central highlands.
Its distribution stretches from Tsinjoarivo, Ambatolampy in the north to Andohahela National Park in the south.
Habitat Requirements
This species relies heavily on intact humid forest for habitat, and occurs at lower population densities in selectively logged areas.
