By Josie July 6th, 2023
Have you ever heard of the smallest chameleon discovered? It’s the Brookesia micra, a species recently identified in northern Madagascar.
Brookesia Micra is the smallest chameleon species ever discovered and is less than 1.2 inches long.
Thave long, sticky tongues to capture prey.
It is found exclusively in northern Madagascar’s forests, preferring leaf litter and low-lying shrubs.
They need a warm and humid climate to survive, with temperatures between 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
They have relatively large limbs compared to their tiny body, giving them a greater grip on surfaces that enable them to move efficiently.
They can alter their coloration based on their environment, allowing them to camouflage effectively and evade potential predators.
Chameleons change colors through specialized cells called chromatophores in their skin.
The Brookesia Micra can shed its tail when under extreme stress, making the predator focus on its lost tail, giving the chameleon a chance to escape.
Their habitat is under severe threat due to deforestation, logging, and mining.
No, it is illegal to buy or sell Brookesia Micra as it is a protected species and classified as critically endangered.
Since its first sighting this tiny reptilian has opened new doors for research on dwarfism and miniaturization in animals.