The scientific community is buzzing with excitement over what may be the discovery of the smallest reptile on earth, a chameleon subspecies no larger than a seed. This fascinating discovery was made by a German-Madagascan expedition team in Madagascar. The team found two specimens of this species, which has been given the name Brookesia nana – one male and one female.
Key Details of the Brookesia Nana
Researchers discovered the Brookesia nana, or Nano-Chameleon, during a 2012 expedition. The Male Nano-Chameleon boasts a body that measures just 13.5 mm, with a total length from top to tail of 22 mm. The discovered female, however, is significantly larger at around 29 mm.
According to experts at the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology in Munich, the Nano-Chameleon is the smallest known species out of approximately 11,500 known reptiles. Previous record holder for the smallest known reptile was another chameleon species, Brookesia micra. Adults of this species have an average length of 16 mm (29 mm when including tail). The smallest recorded adult male measured 15.3 mm.
To give further perspective on the size of the newly discovered reptile, consider this comparison: the longest known reptile, the reticulated python, with its length of 6.25 m, is nearly the length of 289 Nano-Chameleons.
Habitat and Conservation Status
The Nano-Chameleon is known to exist in a degraded Montane Rainforest in Northern Madagascar. The natural habitat of these minuscule lizards faces significant threats, putting their existence at risk. In the past, Nano-Chameleons have fallen victim to deforestation, though their habitat is now under protection.
Scientists are recommending that this species be designated as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Such a designation would provide further protection to the Nano-Chameleon and its habitat.
About Chameleons
Chameleons are a unique and specialized type of Old World Lizard from the family Chamaeleonidae. As of June 2015, there have been 202 described species of Chameleons. They are tailored for climbing and visual hunting, and live in various warm habitats, ranging from rainforests to desert conditions.
What chameleons are perhaps best known for is their ability to change their body color – an adaptive skill that has both intrigued and charmed people for centuries. Nearly two-thirds of all chameleon species call Madagascar home, although they can be found elsewhere too. For example, the Indian chameleon is native to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
