The pygmy leaf chameleon, scientifically known as Brookesia minima, is a member of the African leaf chameleon family. It is native to the jungles of Madagascar and is the smallest of all the chameleon species. He measures about 1 inch in length and, as his name suggests, his coloring resembles foliage. The species is listed as "vulnerable" by the IUCN Red List. The major threat is loss of habitat to logging and mining activities.
Life Span
According to San Diego Zoo, the pygmy leaf chameleon is such a recent discovery that little is known yet about the tiny creature's life expectancy. The zoo website states that chameleon species are known to live for more than 10 years in captivity, but that life in expectancy in the wild is unknown. The A-Z Animals website estimates chameleon life span at 4 to 8 years.
References
Photo Credits
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Writer Bio
Based in London, Eleanor McKenzie has been writing lifestyle-related books and articles since 1998. Her articles have appeared in the "Palm Beach Times" and she is the author of numerous books published by Hamlyn U.K., including "Healing Reiki" and "Pilates System." She holds a Master of Arts in informational studies from London University.
