Parson's chameleon

Parson's chameleon
male C. p. parsonii
"orange eye" variant
Conservation status

Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Lacertilia
Family: Chamaeleonidae
Subfamily: Chamaeleoninae
Genus: Calumma
Species: C. parsonii
Binomial name
Calumma parsonii
(Cuvier, 1824)
Synonyms

Chamaeleo parsonii

The Parson's chameleon (Calumma parsonii) is a large species of chameleon that is endemic to isolated pockets of humid primary forest in eastern and northern Madagascar. It is listed on CITES Appendix II, meaning that trade in this species is regulated. As with the majority of chameleon species from Madagascar, it is illegal to export Parson's chameleons from their native country.

Description

Specimen

Among the largest chameleons in the world (variously reported as the largest, or second largest after the Malagasy Giant 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 length (about the size of a cat) and has no dorsal crest. Calumma p. cristifer from near Andasibe reaches 47 cm (18½ in) and has a small dorsal crest. Several colour 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 consider 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 all are smaller than the males and overall greenish, yellowish or brownish (often with an orange tinge).

Reproduction

In captivity, females lay up to 50 eggs per clutch which can take two years to hatch. The females reproductive cycle allows for only egg laying once every two years (unverified). When the hatchlings are independent once having dug themselves out of their underground nest the female had dug and deposited her eggs in. Once laid and reburied the parental obligations are concluded.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Calumma parsonii.
  1. ↑ Jenkins, R.K.B., Andreone, F., Andriamazava, A., Anjeriniaina, M., Brady, L., Glaw, F., Griffiths, R.A., Rabibisoa, N., Rakotomalala, D., Randrianantoandro, J.C., Randrianiriana, J., Randrianizahana , H., Ratsoavina, F. & Robsomanitrandrasana, E. (2011). "Calumma parsonii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 4 September 2014.