Humans Eat Chameleons too

In Madagascar, chameleons are indeed consumed in various rural areas, particularly in regions like the eastern rainforests, including places near Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, where local communities may catch them for food. They are valued for their unique flavor and featured in traditional dishes.

In Cameroon, chameleons are consumed particularly among rural populations. Local hunters capture them during foraging trips, and chameleons are prepared in various traditional recipes, sometimes served alongside staple foods. Certain communities regard them as a nutritional supplement, especially where other sources of protein are scarce.

Additionally, in Kenya, several reports document instances of people resorting to eating chameleons during times of hunger or food scarcity. This indicates that chameleons may serve as a critical food source when traditional dietary options are limited.

Dried chameleons aare used especially in western Africa for rityual and magic purposes, which might include consuming their cooked or dried flesh, powder or soup.

Despite these practices, the consumption of chameleons raises sustainability concerns. Overharvesting, combined with habitat destruction, threatens many species, highlighting the need for responsible practices to ensure that local ecosystems remain balanced.