Biology
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英語
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由Arkive提供
Brookesia chameleons have all adopted a terrestrial lifestyle, moving about on the ground or on the low branches of bushes and mossy trees (4), and roosting (resting) on the stems and leaves of low vegetation (7). Little is known specifically about the biology of Brygoo's chameleon, but like other Brookesia species, it is likely to feed on a range of insects. It uses its bulbous, independently moving eyes to scan the surrounding area for potential prey, and then shoots out its long, sticky tongue at lightening speed to capture the unsuspecting victim (4).
Brygoo's chameleon is known to store sperm, and lays clutches of two to five eggs under bark, moss or dead leaves (2). These tiny eggs measure only 2.5 by 1.5 millimetres (4)
Conservation
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英語
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Brygoo's chameleon is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that trade in this species should be carefully controlled in order to be compatible with their survival (1). The peculiar Brygoo's chameleon has also been recorded from at least one protected area (6), although illegal harvesting or other activities that degrade the forest habitat may lessen any benefits this bestows.
Description
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英語
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由Arkive提供
This tiny reptile belongs to a group of chameleons endemic to Madagascar (3), the stump-tailed chameleons, or Brookesia species. The earthy colours and unusual body shape of Brygoo's chameleon gives it the appearance of old bark covered with lichens, so it blends magically into its habitat (2). It even moves back and forth in the breeze like a leaf when disturbed. On each foot, opposing fused toes ensure a firm grip on slender branches and twigs, and as the group name of these chameleons suggests, its tail is short and thick (4). Brygoo's chameleon moves so slowly that it is hard to detect, and only a swivel of its independently mobile eyes or a flicking of its incredibly long tongue may alert predators or prey to its presence (4) (5).
Habitat
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英語
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由Arkive提供
Brygoo's chameleon is one of the few Brookesia species adapted to the arid conditions of south-west Madagascar, where it is thought to be restricted to native deciduous forests (6). During the day it can be found foraging in leaf litter; at night it occurs on thin twigs or fern fronds (2)
Range
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英語
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由Arkive提供
Occurs in south-west Madagascar (3)
Status
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英語
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由Arkive提供
Listed on Appendix II of CITES (1).
Threats
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英語
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由Arkive提供
Brookesia chameleons are threatened by two significant factors: habitat destruction and harvesting for the international pet trade. Habitat destruction poses a major threat to all flora and fauna on Madagascar, and in western Madagascar only one percent of natural deciduous forest, the habitat of Brygoo's chameleon's, is under any form of protection. While harvesting is likely to be threatening the survival of Brygoo's chameleon, the extent of the impact is not clear. In 2001, 60 Brygoo's chameleons were exported from Madagascar for the pet trade, and harvesting has even been recorded within protected areas (6).
Distribution
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英語
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由ReptileDB提供
Continent: Indian-Ocean
Distribution: SW Madagascar
Type locality: Analavelona.
Brookesia brygooi
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英語
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由wikipedia EN提供
Brookesia brygooi, commonly known as Brygoo's chameleon, Brygoo's pygmy chameleon, and the leaf chameleon, is a species of chameleon, a lizard in the family Chameleonidae. The species, which is endemic to Madagascar, was first described in 1995 by Raxworthy and Nussbaum and named in compliment to French herpetologist Édouard-Raoul Brygoo.[2]
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature classed B. brygooi as Least Concern.
Distribution and habitat
B. brygooi is endemic to southwestern Madagascar, where its type locality is Analavelona, Fianarantsoa Province, south-central Madagascar.[3] Because it is widespread and commonly found in protected areas, it was listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It can be found at elevations between 20 and 571 m (66 and 1,873 ft) above mean sea level (AMSL), and over an area of 147,782 square kilometres (57,059 square miles).[1] Details about the true population of B. brygooi are unknown, although it is known to be widespread.[1] It is found in many protected parks/areas/nature reserves, and is also protected under the Madagascar laws.[1]
Description
B. brygooi has an "unusual" shape of body and is earthy in colour.[4]
Diet
The diet of B. brygooi includes insects.[4]
Behavior
B. brygooi spends the night resting on twigs.[4]
Reproduction
The female of B. brygooi lays two to five eggs per clutch. The eggs measure 2.5 by 1.5 mm (0.098 by 0.059 in) each.[4]
Taxonomy
This species was initially described by Raxworthy and Nussbaum in 1995 under the name of Brookesia brygooi. The same scientific name was later used by Nečas in 1999, and, most recently by Townsend et al. in 2009.[3] According to the ITIS, the taxonomic status of B. brygooi is valid.[5] It is commonly known as the leaf chameleon.[6]
References
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^ a b c d 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). "Brookesia brygooi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T172947A6946397. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T172947A6946397.en. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
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^ Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Brookesia brygooi, p. 41).
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^ a b "Brookesia brygooi ". The Reptile Database. reptile-database.reptarium.cz. Retrieved 2012-11-12.
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^ a b c d "Brygoo's chameleon videos, photos and facts - Brookesia brygooi ". ARKive. Archived from the original on 2009-08-21. Retrieved 2012-11-12.
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^ "ITIS Standard Report Page: Brookesia brygooi ". Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). itis.gov. Retrieved 2012-11-12.
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^ "Leaf Chameleon (Brookesia brygooi ), Central-South Madagascar | UNEP/GRID-Arendal - Environmental Photo Library". Grida.no. 2011-12-29. Retrieved 2012-11-12.
Brookesia brygooi: Brief Summary
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英語
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由wikipedia EN提供
Brookesia brygooi, commonly known as Brygoo's chameleon, Brygoo's pygmy chameleon, and the leaf chameleon, is a species of chameleon, a lizard in the family Chameleonidae. The species, which is endemic to Madagascar, was first described in 1995 by Raxworthy and Nussbaum and named in compliment to French herpetologist Édouard-Raoul Brygoo.
