
Chameleons are by far some of the most interesting creatures in the wild. With the ability to change colour, these prehistoric-looking critters are always welcomed sightings for our guests whenever they visit us. Here are a few interesting facts that make them even cooler!
- Chameleons have five digits per foot, these act as fingers, allowing their feet to work like salad tongs to help them grip onto branches when climbing.
- Although they are classified as reptiles, they have closable eyelids like all mammals do.
- Contrary to popular belief, their tongues don’t roll up into their mouths. Instead, they retract over a hyoid bone in the mouth, just like a sock being pulled over your arm.
- The end of a chameleon’s tongue has a sticky pad known as a “foot” which attaches to its prey, allowing it to be swallowed whole.
- Their eyes can move independently of each other and focus simultaneously. This allows a chameleon to effectively spot prey and looming threats, all without moving its head.
- There are around 200 different chameleon species, 44% of which can be found on the island of Madagascar.
- They sleep at night and are completely inactive during this time.
- They are very sensitive to spotlights and they will wake when one is shone on them, allowing their metabolism to kick in.
- Another myth about chameleons is that they change colour to camouflage themselves. They actually change skin colour to communicate with other chameleons. For some species, yellow spots on a female indicate a readiness to mate, thereafter she might develop a darker skin with blue spots telling other males to stay away.
- Another reason for colour change is to help them regulate body temperature. A darker chameleon is trying to warm up, and a lighter one is attempting to beat the heat.
Nambiti Hills Private Game Experience delivers the ultimate safari experience and a chance to spot creatures great and small. If you’re ready to get a head start on planning your stay with us, feel free to contact our reservations team today when you call +27 (0)31 333 6723 or email reservations@nambitihills.com To view and take advantage of our latest specials, please click here: https://www.nambitihills.com/packages-and-specials/