SAUDI SPUR CHAMELEON

Chamaeleo calcarifer

Meet the Saudi Spur-Chameleon

Chamaeleo calcarifer was described by Peters in 1870 as Chamaeleo calcaratus and the type locality was erroneously given as Bembatuka [= Bombetoka] (in error for Arabian Peninsula; probably near Aden, Yemen). 

Peters himself recognized one year later he used an existing name ised in 1820 by Merrem for another species, which was then synonymized with Chamaeleo africanus and renamed it as Chamaeleo calcarifer.

After about a century and half of confusion about its status, once considered a valid species, once a subspecies of the Yemen Chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus, and even speculated it being a cross between Chamaeleo arabicus and Chamaeleo calyptratus due to some ovelapping features, 

I announce that it is definitely a separate species. The scientific justification will follow.

Just enjoy the beauty of the almost unknown

SAUDI SPUR CHAMELEON

Chamaeleo calcarifer