Parson's chameleon
Calumma parsonii
IUCN red list status:
Near Threatened
For more information, please visit iucnredlist.org
Endemic to eastern Madagascar
They use their long tongue to catch invertebrates and small vertebrates.
They live 10-12 years in the wild, and up to 14 years in captivity.
Parson's chameleon
The Parson's chameleon is one of the world's largest chameleons and named as such after James Parsons, the British physician by Cuvier in 1824. They are adapted for climbing and hunting due to their appearance and slow movements. These chameleons exceed 60cm in length at maturity. Their nasal appendages make them an easy species to identify, with males being known to have a forked nose. They also exhibit zygodactylous toes, with two toes pointing forwards and two pointing backwards allowing them to grip onto branches with ease.
Did you know?
Like all chameleons they change colour with temperature or social cues, aiding camouflage and hunting.
