Four previously unknown chameleon species have been identified in northern Mozambique. The species were found on Mount Namuli, Mount Inago, Mount Chiperone, and Mount Ribáuè, and they belong to a genus of miniature forest chameleons.
Discovery Sites
The four mountains are part of isolated highland ecosystems in northern Mozambique. Such isolated mountain habitats are often called sky islands, a term used for mountain ranges separated by lowland areas.
- Mount Namuli is one of Mozambique’s best-known montane biodiversity sites.
- Mount Inago is a forested mountain in northern Mozambique.
- Mount Chiperone is another isolated mountain ecosystem in the same region.
- Mount Ribáuè has also been referred to as Mount Mabu in older records.
Scientific Classification
Chameleons are lizards in the family Chamaeleonidae. Many species are arboreal, and several small forest chameleons are known for cryptic colouration and slow movement.
- The new species were distinguished through DNA analysis.
- The species were formally described in the journal Zootaxa.
- The genus includes miniature forest chameleons found in African montane habitats.
Sky Islands and Evolution
Sky islands are important in biogeography because isolated populations can evolve separately on different mountains. This pattern is used in studies of speciation, endemism, and habitat fragmentation.
- Endemism is common in isolated mountain ecosystems.
- Montane forests often contain species with narrow geographic ranges.
- DNA-based taxonomy is used to separate closely related reptile species.
Background to the Expedition
Earlier fieldwork in this region was linked to satellite imagery, including Google Earth images, which helped identify unexplored forested mountains. Julian Bayliss, a consultant for Fauna & Flora International, was involved in launching an expedition in 2014.
Last Modified: April 24, 2026