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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

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...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

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...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

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/...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

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/...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

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...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

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

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

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

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

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...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

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

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

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

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

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...

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Reposted by IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group

John R. Platt @johnrplatt.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

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...

therevelator.org

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.

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

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...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

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...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

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...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

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....

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

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!

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

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

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

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

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

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...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

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...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

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...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

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...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

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....

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

An article examines the role of testosterone in male sexual behavior & dynamic color change in veiled chameleons, finding that elevated testosterone alone is sufficient for the expression of these traits in both males & females following hormone manipulation doi.org/10.1159/0005...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Tests of the convergence of Bradypodion lineages into distinct ecomorphs found adaptive changes in morphology in response to habitat type differences. Despite many lineages from different habitats lacking a common ancestor, they have converged upon similar phenotypes. doi.org/10.1086/739749

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

The first digital anatomical atlases of the chameleon skull, nervous system & cranial & hyolingual muscles are published, including lesson plans to bridge a gap between theoretical knowledge & hands-on analysis in comparative anatomy anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

A study finds that chameleons have longer & more coiled optic nerves than other squamates & known tetrapods, providing slack & reduced strain during extensive eye rotation characteristic of chameleon eyes, & providing an excellent historical review of our knowledge. www.nature.com/articles/s41...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

A study finds that Calumma nasutum is actually a C. gallus complex species lacking the group's elongated rostral appendage & clarify its taxonomy, describing a new species (C. hofreiteri) for populations previously considered under the name C. nasutum. www.salamandra-journal.com/index.php/co...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

A profile on C. calyptratus highlights aspects of their biology w/reference to its potentially invasive status in Florida, where the species has been reported in 26 counties, providing insights on management methods & potential ecological impacts. bioone.org/journals/sou...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

A study examining restabilization performance in 3 arboreal lizards w/different body & tail configurations following unexpected arboreal perturbations finds that chameleons have larger CoM divergence angles than 2 species with sprawling body configurations. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

122 cases of limb loss in lizards revealed that these these rare survivors of traumatic injuries can run just as fast, maintain healthy body weight, reproduce successfully & live surprisingly long lives. Article: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/... Summary: theconversation.com/3-legged-liz...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

A new geographic distribution in the latest issue of African Herp News details new records of Rieppeleon brachyurus in Mozambique, including the first record south of the Zambezi River. African Herp News is available to HAA members or publicly after ~1 yr: africanherpetology.org/african-herp...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

A new note details egg-laying in Chamaeleo dilepis in Kenya, documenting the process from excavation through departure, noting female color changes & local superstitions about finding a digging chameleon. African Herp News is available after ~1 year: africanherpetology.org/african-herp...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

A reevaluation of chameleon foraging mode using movement- & attack-based indices. Chameleons spent most of the day in stationary positions & fed more when stationary than when moving, suggesting they should be considered ambush foragers rather than "cruise foragers". academic.oup.com/cz/advance-a...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

Chameleons & salamanders evolved a sliding-based linear actuator to launch the tongue via muscular squeezing of a tapered skeletal rod, contrasting with tendon-driven pulling mechanisms common in most musculoskeletal systems, allowing acceleration along a straight path. www.cell.com/current-biol...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

A study on the embryonic development of the gonads in chameleons finds that the gonadal primordia appear quickly in development compared to somatic tissue development & the process of gonadal sex differentiation is consistent with other vertebrates anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

A new article documents a new locality for the Endangered Calumma vencesi in the Sorata Forest of NE Madagascar. Their presence supports the need to conserve this valuable mountain forest, which is also home to the likely Critically Endangered Brookesia nana. www.biotaxa.org/hn/article/v...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

A new article provides reference sonographic data on the urogenital tracts of veiled and panther chameleons to compare their kidneys, testes, and ovaries to other lizards, although data on the ovaries of female chameleons could not be collected. Article: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Distance from highways & lower proportions of ground covered by shrubs are associated with higher favorability for the presence of C. chamaeleon. In Spain this species is largely restricted to highly anthropized coastal areas with high road density... conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Chameleons & agamid lizards diverge in tooth proteins involved in strengthening enamel structure. Chameleons are more divergent in enamel matrix proteins which may be associated with a more complete transition to monophyodont dentition than agamids. Article: link.springer.com/article/10.1...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

A new publication reports on a novel host record of a tick species that commonly infests tortoises and some lizards feeding on a Mediterranean Chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon recticrista) in Turkey with attachment to the margin of the eye turret. Article: www.researchgate.net/profile/Goek...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

A study on societal impacts of introduced populations of F. pardalis in Florida found that residents knew of but expressed low concern about the chameleons' presence, expressing more concern for their safety given the activities of private collectors. digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcont...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

A new study finds that C. dilepis change their brightness to better match black backgrounds & change color to match some hues, especially yellow, although not matching background patterns. Article: royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/...

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Some hopeful news on the Critically Endangered Furcifer belalandaensis, which was recently discovered in some less disturbed habitat than it has previously been known from, possibly providing an opportunity to better protect the species! Article: greenauve.org/new-hope-for...

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Reposted by IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group

Anderson Lab @andersonlabusd.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

A clutch of Bradypodion cf. melanocephalum “Hilton” born in the lab today! Immediately getting some metabolic rate data from them to follow through ontogeny! Have also been getting metabolic rate data from the mother for the last 3 months and will continue as she recovers from birth as well!

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IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group @iucnchameleons.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Study on convergent evolution & ecological speciation in Bradypodion finds differences in functional traits related to grip can be explained by the perch diameters used, whereas ornamentation differs in different habitats but is convergent in similar habitats. Link: zse.pensoft.net/article/1519...

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Reposted by IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group

Anderson Lab @andersonlabusd.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

Two female Trioceros jacksonii, which appear to be T. j. xantholophus with rostral horns, from 2,130m elevation on the western/southwestern slopes of Mount Kenya.

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Reposted by IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group

Anderson Lab @andersonlabusd.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

Trioceros hoehnelii from 2,130m elevation on the western/southwestern slopes of Mount Kenya!

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