Where do chameleons live? Brief description of the species

Chameleon is considered one of the most amazing inhabitants of our planet. He is able not only to change his color, but also to look in two directions at the same time. Therefore, there is nothing strange in the fact that many people are interested in what the chameleons look like and where they live. In what country you can meet these creatures, you will learn from today's article.

Habitat

These reptiles inhabit steppes, savannahs, deserts and tropical forests. Their main habitats are Sri Lanka, South India, the Middle East and North Africa. Those who want to understand where the chameleons live will be interested to know that they often meet in Hawaii and in the USA.

Many of them live in trees. But some species of African reptiles living in the Namib desert, burrow in sand dunes and hide in them from the cold and heat.

Appearance

Having understood where chameleons live in nature, it is necessary to understand how these creatures look. The skin of these reptiles belonging to the family of lizards has two pigment layers. This is precisely what explains their ability to change their color.

The wide body of these amazing animals is covered with small scales, and on a rather narrow head there are small hillocks, horns or a crest. As a rule, such formations are present in males.

Those who want to understand where chameleons live in Tunisia will be interested to learn about another feature of wood lizards. Their eyes are almost completely covered with fused eyelids, on which are located only small holes for pupils. In addition, these reptiles have a very long tongue. They are able to throw it out of the mouth at a distance that exceeds the size of their torso. On the feet of animals there are two or three fused fingers pointing in opposite directions. Such claw-like limbs allow chameleons to easily move through trees.

As for the sizes, they depend on the type of reptile. So, the length of some of them does not exceed thirty millimeters, while others grow to sixty centimeters. Also these creatures have a tenacious tail, with which they grab and hold objects.

Features of behavior

Those who have already understood where chameleons live will not be prevented by information that they like to gather in small groups consisting of six individuals. After looking for a comfortable branch for themselves, they cling to her paws and tail. In this position, reptiles are able to spend about twenty-four hours. Leave a comfortable branch, located at a decent height from the surface of the earth, they can be forced to only a truly worthwhile cause.

Having figured out where the chameleons live, it will not be superfluous to mention that among all inactive animals only they are capable of hours and sometimes of sitting in one place for days, waiting for the approach of prey. They feed on locusts, grasshoppers, crickets and other insects. The diet of large individuals is slightly more diverse. They are tasty with birds and small lizards.

How do these reptiles multiply?

The mating period depends on the season and the habitat. At the height of the mating season, males become very aggressive. They organize real tournaments, the winners of which get the right to become the head of the "harem" on their site. They are painted in bright warlike colors, inflated and hissed at each other. The males bob each other's head on the head and bite the rivals.

Having understood, where chameleons live, it is necessary to understand how they reproduce. Interestingly, they can do this in several different ways. But representatives of most species prefer the habitual reproduction for reptiles. At one time the female can lay off from fifteen to eighty eggs. Then she buries them deep into the ground or hangs them on a tree branch. The duration of the incubation period is up to ten months.

Some varieties of chameleons are viviparous. Such reptiles have up to fourteen toddlers, for whom a kind of "nursery" is being built. The young are glued directly to the branches of trees and fed for a certain period.

Individual species of these animals are capable of parthenogenesis. Female without male participation lays unfertilized eggs. Subsequently, they fully hatch viable cubs.