Furcifer rhinoceratus (Gray, 1845)

Taxonomic Naming

Scientific name: Furcifer rhinoceratus (Gray, 1845).

Male Size

Male rhinoceros chameleons reach around 27 centimetres (11 inches) in length, which is approximately twice the size of females.

Male Snout Morphology

Males have a proboscis-like snout that projects forward above the mouth; this feature gives the species its common name.

Female Snout Morphology

Females have a smaller snout.

Crest Structure

A small crest made of triangular, projecting scales sits on the top of the head, and an additional crest runs partway along the spine.

Base Body Colouration

The species' base body colour is typically grey or light brown, with a small number of darker transverse bars.

Distinct Markings

The snout is often bluish, the lips are pale, and a single white line runs down each side of the body.

Gravid Female Colouration

Females have a similar base colouration to males, but when carrying eggs, they turn purple with black bands and an orange or red tail.

Endemic Habitat Range

The rhinoceros chameleon is endemic to dry forests in western Madagascar.

Geographic Distribution Extent

Its geographic range stretches from Ankarafantsika National Park in the northwest to Soalala in the southwest.

Central Range Presence Uncertainty

However, most sightings of this species in the central part of its range were recorded a long time ago, and it is not confirmed whether the species still occurs in these areas today.