A study published in the journal Molecular Ecology revealed the existence of 11 previously unknown Panther chameleon species.
by Hannah Moore
May 28, 2015—Turns out that Madagascar’s Panther chameleon comes in more color varieties than originally thought.
A study conducted by the University of Geneva has shown that the Panther chameleon is not one species, but 11 separate species, reported the Christian Science Monitor.
The study published in the journal Molecular Ecology found more than 300 Panther chameleons in Madagascar, according to LiveScience. Photos and samples revealed that the various Panther species live in separate populations throughout the region.
For the study, researchers hit the road in search for chameleons, which tend to dwell in trees and bushes in forests, on forest outskirts and in worn down habitat. The reptiles can also be found in plantations and human-occupied areas, according to the study.
Researchers found and sampled 324 Panther chameleons on this road trip, through blood sample and high-resolution photography, and set the lizards free afterward. They said that there seem to be low levels of mixed breeding among other populations.
The study highlights the booming biodiversity of Madagascar and proves that there are still many undiscovered species. About 80 to 90 percent of all species found in Madagascar don’t exist anywhere else on Earth, but the various species are at risk. Mass deforestation and firewood and charcoal production threaten the 400 reptile species, 300 amphibian species, 300 bird species, 15,000 plant species and many invertebrate species that reside on the island.
Panther chameleons are endangered, but researchers said that this study might help raise awareness about these chameleons and ultimately help in their survival.
Chameleons are Old World lizards notorious for their changing color.
The study’s senior writer, Michel Milinkovitch, conducted an earlier study revealing how chameleons change color. The reptiles have two skin cell layers and the upper layer can change structure, thus change color. The lower layer seems to reflect near-infrared sunlight and may help chameleons regulate their body temperature on warm days.
Male and female chameleons differ from one another in color. Female and juvenile chameleons are tan with pink and orange areas, while the males have combinations of bright red, blue, yellow and green.
Mathematical analyses reveal that the genetic lineage of the lizards can be determined by their colorful markings. This solidifies the idea that each chameleon population has a different genetic background and is part of a different species.
Humans have only discovered about 16 percent of the 12 million species on Earth.
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