Chameleons
About 130 species of true chameleons exist. They are found in Africa, Madagascar, Spain, southern Europe, Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, and the Seychelles Islands. They are a family of distinctive, slow-moving lizards that are active during the day. The chameleon has a remarkably sticky, telescopic tongue, which darts into the air to catch insects, which are its main source of food. Its body is unusually shaped, and most chameleons are specially adapted to living in trees. The lizard’s long, thin legs raise it from the ground, and its toes are divided into opposable sets of two and three digits that enable it to grasp branches rather than cling to them as with claws. The strong, curled tail is also adapted to grasping. The chameleon has a short neck that is of limited mobility, however, the eyes are high and can work independently of each other. One eye can be looking up while the other down, or one forward and the other backward at the same time! The chameleon has no external eardrum, or tympanic membrane. Chameleons range in size from just a few centimeters to as large as 63 cms (25 in).
Chameleons are well known for their ability to change colors. The chameleon changes color when it is frightened and in response to light, temperature, and other environmental changes. The color change is caused by hormones that affect special pigment-bearing cells in the skin. Its color does not always change to match its surroundings, however, as is commonly believed. They can vary their patterns from plain to spotted; they are often green or brown, but can add brighter colors when excited or scared. Their tails are especially well-adapted for grasping and wrapping around limbs; in fact it is often considered a fifth “limb” for the lizard. Many chameleons have large domed, or casqued, heads, and males may have as many as three horns, sometimes used for combat. One striking three-horned species is Jackson’s Chameleon of Africa.
The chameleon is surrounded by tale and folklore. Word has it that many African tribes consider them to be bad luck. Why fear the chameleon? Because its large, roving eyes which are believed to be all-seeing. Some people won’t even touch them, or believe they must club them to death in an attempt to dissipate the bad luck brought upon them by the lizard.
S. Brown, 27 February 2002, Niamey
Lizards
Lizard is the common name for certain reptiles in the order that also contains snakes, amphibians, and the extinct mosasaurs. Lizards constitute the largest living group of reptiles, with more than 3,000 species in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Lizards are reptiles typically characterized by the following features: four legs, movable eyelids, scales along the sides and underside of the body, a long detachable tail, and a lower jaw with a rigid skeletal structure. Typical of most reptiles, lizards generally do not display parental behavior. Females of most species lay eggs, which are left to hatch on their own. Most lizards are harmless and benefit humans by controlling insect populations. Although lizards may resemble salamanders and other amphibians, they differ in that lizards have dry, scaly skin, and most have clawed feet and external ear openings. Most lizards are small, with four legs and a long tail that in many species is fragile and easily broken but will regenerate; the tail of such arboreal species (tree-climbing) as the chameleon is adapted for grasping branches.
S. Brown, 27 February 2002, Niamey
Geckos
You are probably aware that you may have some uninvited house guests (beyond the insect variety). In fact, you may have quite a few of these little guys. House lizards are actually a good “guest” to have in your home. They may not be good conversationalists, but they do help to control the insect population in your home. The little lizards dwelling inside your home are actually different than those you find outside; they tend to be smaller, and a little less courageous.
The Tropical Gecko, also known as House Gecko, is a medium-sized gecko, with a flattened head and body. It is grayish or gray-brown with numerous darker spots or bands that fade when exposed to the light. The toes of geckos have scales with minute hairs that act as suction cups, allowing them to scamper up vertical surfaces as smooth as glass and even walk upside down on ceilings. Their toes also have strong retractile claws. These little guys are often quiet, but may give a short series of tchk notes when startled. These are not the best opponents for a staring contest, as they will always win: they have large, light-gathering eyes without movable lids.
Here is the best part about these un-intrusive guests. They are active at night, dining on moths, mosquitoes, flies, crickets, ants, cockroaches and spiders. How can fewer bugs be a bad thing? If you see these little lizards in your home, don’t try and get rid of them. They aren’t bothersome (okay, they may startle you when you open the curtains and they run out, or when you turn on the lights in the morning and they scurry off), and they can help reduce the number of bugs in your house, which none of us would complain about, right?
S Brown, July 2001, Niamey