Brookesia Perarmata is one of the more exotic looking chameleons. It is mostly dark brown with a limited ability to change color. It appears similar to an armored dragon with thorny spines all over its body. The head has a lighter shade of brown with two rounded crests behind the eyes. As a ground dwelling species, its tail is shorter and stumped (Encyclopedia of Life).
This chameleon dwells on the forest floor among the dead leaves which it uses for camouflage and climbs up low plant branches when it’s time to sleep.
Because of its very limited range, it is listed in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Appendix I (CITES Appendix I) and the IUCN Redlist as endangered meaning that exportation and trade of this species is illegal. If possible, it can be acquired from captive bred specimens of other lizard enthusiasts.
“These tiny armoured chameleons hold great beauty, like delicate dragons. A challenge and a feast to get up close with my macro lens. Although it was a grey, cloudy day with lots of rain –
Read more about these brilliant animals on the amazing Schaapmans’ Wildlife Spotting website. Antsingy Leaf Chameleon
References:
1) ARKive –
2) Encyclopedia of Life –
3) CITES – www.cites.org/eng/gallery/species/reptile/antsingy_leaf_chameleon.html
4) IUCN Redlist –
Images:
1) Main image supplied by Schaapmans
2) Sub images supplied by Schaapmans