Chamaeleo africanus Laurenti, 1768

Taxonomy and Body Size

The African chameleon (Chamaeleo africanus Laurenti, 1768) is a slow-moving chameleon species with a laterally flattened body, reaching a maximum total length of 46 cm (18 in).

Sensory and Locomotive Adaptations

It has bulbous eyes that can move independently of one another, and a prehensile tail.

Similarity to Common Chameleon

It closely resembles the common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) in appearance, but lacks flaps at the back of the head and grows to a larger size.

Coloration

It is often green with numerous black spots, and like other chameleons, it can change its body color.

Sexual Dimorphism and Head Structure

It has a large bony casque on its head and long limbs; males of this species have tarsal spurs.

Native Distribution

This chameleon is native to most of the Sahel region, spanning from Mali and Mauritania east to Sudan.

Range Extent and Introduction History

Its range extends north along the Nile River into Egypt, though it may have been introduced to the Egyptian part of its range.

Introduced Range

The species has also been brought from Egypt to the Peloponnese.

Habitat

It inhabits dry savanna environments.