Giant one horned Chameleon
( Meller's chameleon )
- Trioceros melleri
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Threat: harmless
- Venom/Toxin: none
- Trend: stable
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Iguania
- Family: Chamaeleonidae
- Genus: Trioceros
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General Information
The giant one-horned chameleon, is the largest species of chameleon from the African mainland. The Mellers’ chameleon is sometimes referred to as the giant one-horned chameleon, because of the small horn that protrudes from the tip of its snout.
Fun Facts
Chameleons can move each eye independently. Meller’s chameleons can extend their tongues up to 51 cm to catch prey. A common misconception is that Chameleons change colour to blend in with their environment wheninfact they do so to mirror their stress levels. Different patterns represent different health and stress levels.
Description
is stout-bodied and has a relatively stubby tail one third the length of its body. It has a sharp medial crest runs from the lizard’s eyes to the tip of its snout, which bears a single small horn. The basic coloration of the creature is a deep forest green with white stripes, but like many chameleons it can change its color depending on various circumstances. Their long tongues can reach prey up to 51 cm away.
- Length: up to 76 cm
- Weight: up to 600 g
- Lifespan: 12 yrs
Ecology & Behaviour
The giant one-horned chameleons live and hunt alone. They are diurnal, or most active during the day.
Diet
The giant one-horned chameleon are carnivores that eat insects, smaller lizards, spiders, crickets, worms, caterpillars and the exceptionally larger ones have been known to eat small birds. Their long tongues can reach prey up to 51 cm away.
Reproduction
Females annually produce a single clutch of up to 80 eggs. Newborn Meller’s chameleons are about 10 cm in length and must be fed fruit flies and tiny crickets for the first three weeks of their lives. Afterwards, they accept house flies and larger insect prey including crickets, locusts, silkworms, and cockroaches.
Conservation
It is categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a, ” Least Concern “.
Distribtion & Habitat
The giant one-horned chameleon relatively common in the bushy savannahs and interior mountains of East Africa and may be found in Zambia, Malawi, northern Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Interaction With Humans
The giant one-horned chameleon vary from timid to moderately aggressive towards humans, with some specimens being reported as friendly. Due to their size, the species is a desired exotic pet. Their population is currently thought to be stable throughout its range, but over time they could face the risk of being collected in unsustainable numbers.
