Cameroon sailfin chameleon
| Cameroon sailfin chameleon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Lacertilia |
| Family: | Chamaeleonidae |
| Genus: | Trioceros |
| Species: | T. montium |
| Binomial name | |
| Trioceros montium (Buchholz, 1874) | |
 | |
| Range of Cameroon sailfin chameleon | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Chamaeleo montium Buchholz, 1874 | |
The Cameroon sailfin chameleon (also known as the Cameroon two-horned mountain chameleon), Trioceros montium, is a species of chameleon endemic to Cameroon.[2] It has a very unusual appearance.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The Cameroon sailfin chameleon is found only in the Cameroonian highlands around Mount Cameroon.[1][3] Because it is almost entirely restricted to rainforests ranging from 700 to 1900 meters above sea level, it is estimated only a few locations support populations of the species. However, it has also been found in small farms and gardens.[1]
Description
It is usually green,[4] but males often turn blue when on display.[3] Distinguishing features on males include two large horns just above the upper jaw which are used for jousting and a prominent dorsal "sail".[3][4] The males can range to ten inches or 30 centimeters[3][4] and the females eight inches.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 LeBreton, M. & Carpenter, A.I. (2013). "Trioceros montium". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 September 2014.
- ↑ Trioceros montium at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 26 September 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Flannery, Tim. Schouten, Peter. Astonishing Animals. Atlantic Monthly Press, 2002, p. 145.
- 1 2 3 4 Christopher V. Anderson; Mike Coraggio; Leah Kroo (June 2005). "Cameroon Mountain Two-horned Chameleon, Chamaeleo (Trioceros) montium BUCHHOLZ, 1874". Chameleons! Online E-Zine. Retrieved 26 September 2014.