Brygoo's chameleon  (Brookesia brygooi)

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).

Occurs in south-west Madagascar (3)

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)

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)

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).

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.

For further information on Brygoo's chameleon see:

• Necas, P. and Schmidt, W. (2004) Stump-tailed chameleons. Miniature Dragons of the Rainforest. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt.

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