Parson’s Chameleon

Parson’s Chameleon (Calumma parsonii) is a huge species of chameleon that belongs to the family of Chamaeleonidae. It is native to small areas in dry primal forest in northern and eastern Madagascar. It is included in the CITES Appendix II, which means that trade with the species is controlled. While the majority of species of chameleons from Madagascar are not legally exportable However, a few Parson’s chameleons are legally exported every year from the country of its origin.

Life expectancy

The chameleon of Parson’s (C. parsonii ) is among the chameleons with the longest lifespan, having the longest the minimum of nine years in males. Females have to wait until age eight. C. parsonii has a remarkable long life span in captivity. In the wild, longevity was estimated at between 10 and 12 years, and in the captive environment, animals with 14 years were observed this is a rarity in chameleons. The Parson’s chameleon is especially vulnerable to the threats posed by sanctioned as well as unanctioned trade in wildlife as well as destruction of the habitat. This vulnerability is mainly due to a two-year period in eggs incubation and a three-year period of development before reaching sexual maturation.

Diet

They are omnivores that eat vegetation, insects, and a few smaller birds..

Changes

• They have long tongues approximately twice as long as their bodies, which allows them to grasp any distant prey.
• In the presence of pigmented cells, also known as melanophores helps them change color.
• While the Parson’s chameleon does not have the external “ear,” it can detect vibrations and sounds through its internal senser.
• Their large, protruding eyes provide them a 360-degree view that allows them to view the surroundings clearly without having to raise their heads. While they turn their eyes the lizards are able to follow swiftly moving prey.
• The position of their fingers resembles pincers and tongs, which is a characteristic found in all chameleons. This allows them to stick to trees easily. Additionally their prehensile tail acts like the fifth limb and facilitates greater mobility.

Among the largest chameleons in the world (usually considered the largest by weight, but shorter than the Malagasy giant chameleon which holds the title for the largest by length), Parson’s Chameleon males have ridges running from above the eyes to the nose, forming two warty horns. There are two recognized subspecies: The widespread Calumma p. parsonii reaches up to 68 cm (27 in) in total length (including tail), about the size of a cat, and has no dorsal crest. Calumma p. cristifer, from near Andasibe, reaches 47 cm (18+1⁄2 in), and has a small dorsal crest.

Several color variants are known within the range typically included in the nominate subspecies, but it is unclear if they are best considered morphs or different subspecies (at present, most consider them morphs).

This includes “orange eye” aka “white-lipped” (generally considered typical of the nominate subspecies), where the male is relatively small and mainly green or turquoise but with yellow or orange eyelids; “yellow lip” where the male is somewhat larger and mainly green or turquoise, but with a yellow edge to the mouth; “yellow giant” where the male is very large and overall yellowish (strongly marked with dusky when stressed); and “green giant” where the male is overall green.

Males of C. p. cristifer are overall green or turquoise. Females of both subspecies are smaller than the males and overall greenish, yellowish or brownish (often with an orange tinge).