The name "chameleon" means, "Earth lion" it's derived from the Greek words "chamai" (on the ground, on the earth) and "leon" (lion)[don’t you just love wikipedia, makes you feel intelligent]. Approximately half of the worlds chameleon species are endemic to Madagascar, so if you really enjoy the little critters I would advise you go there.
Anyways, here is a selection of chameleons encountered by us (the Andasibe Lads) whilst on our volunteer experience in Madagascar. I apologise in advance for the lack of names or useful information.
Everyone's favourite, the Parson's chameleon (
Calumma parsonii). I beleive this is a male Parson's and is distinguished by the two rather large horns and the overall massive size. Parson's chameleon is a contender for the largest chameleon and can exceed 60cm in length.
Another contender for the largest chameleon. Oustalet’s chameleon (
Furcifer oustaleti) is found in the drier west of Madagascar.
At a guess
Brookesia superciliaris. Apparently its bad luck to come anywhere near these guys - perhaps that’s why we were ill over Christmas.
Aleo mahatsidia Zanahary
Toy izay mahatsidia Ranovary.
It would be better to trample a divinity
Than trample a Brookesia.
Male Willsi’s chameleon (
Furcifer willsii) with its rather groovy two-pronged head gear and white lipstick.
Female
Furcifer willsii. Rather pretty dappled effect, don’t you think?
OK so there are loads more but it seems that the post only contains a certain amount of picture space, which I have used up. Someone else will put some up in another post im sure.
Phil Cooley
The Mitsinjo House, our residence for the time we were in Andasibe (this statement is a little misleading.The ground floor room on the left [with the closed shutters] was our house, cosy but comfortable!!). Mama Bozy Nata and family are some of the nicest people you could meet and always good for a laugh.
Looking down into Andasibe from the top end of the 'high street'.
The market, always a fun experience!
A view towards Andasibe station from the road crossing, outside of the Mitsinjo House. You get used to the ground shaking as the goods trains go through!
