The Mount Abu Chameleon - Distribution of Chamaeleo zeylanicus in Rajasthan, India

Chamaeleo zeylanicus, commonly known as the Asian Chameleon, has a fragmented distribution in Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan (Nečas, 1999; Tilbury, 2019; Sindaco & al.). Itis the only chameleon species found in India. Its distribution spans the entire peninsular region of the country, from the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats, and extending into the northern and central parts of India. The northernmost limit of Chamaeleo zeylanicus in India is around the Gangetic plains. In the northeastern states, the species is not commonly found, and its presence is limited to specific areas with suitable habitats. The species is known to inhabit a variety of biotope types, including scrub jungles, deciduous forests, gardens, orchards, cultivations and even urban areas.