The Warty Chameleon, Furcifer verrucosus From Madagascar

Furcifer verrucosus, commonly known as the warty chameleon, spiny chameleon, or crocodile chameleon, is a species of reptile endemic to Madagascar. It was first described by Georges Cuvier in 1829. It inhabits the dry, hot regions of southern and western Madagascar. These chameleons are highly adaptable and can survive in heavily disturbed landscapes, often thriving in secondary vegetation. However, they show a preference for spiny forests when available.

Appearance and Size: Furcifer verrucosus is among the largest chameleons in Madagascar. Males can reach lengths of up to 57 cm, while females remain significantly smaller, with maximum lengths of around 21 cm. Both sexes feature a casque, a helmet-like structure on the head, with males having a higher casque compared to females. Additionally, both genders possess a gular crest, with males showcasing a complete dorsal crest. In females, the dorsal crest is only noticeable at the front of the body.

Females display simple brown coloring with lighter bellies and sometimes striking red accents. Males are typically grey-brown but can change to bright turquoise or grass green, exhibiting a white, interrupted lateral stripe when stressed. Their distinctive appearance, characterized by numerous enlarged scales, gives them the moniker "warty chameleon."

Habitat: The habitat of Furcifer verrucosus primarily consists of spiny and dry forests that are lush and green during the rainy season. During the dry season, the landscape turns grey and arid. The spiny forest, although not very tall, is dense with vegetation, including introduced Opuntia plants and occasional baobabs.

In addition to spiny forests, Furcifer verrucosus also inhabits secondary vegetation such as bushes and shrubs on sand dunes and dried clay ground. The harsh conditions of the dry season lead to the mortality of many individuals, highlighting the species' vulnerability.