Rhinoceros Chameleon

The male rhinoceros chameleon can grow to about 27 centimetres (11 in), about twice as big as the female. The male's proboscis-like snout projects forward above its mouth and gives it its common name. The female has a smaller snout. On the top of the head there is a small crest of triangular, projecting scales, and a further crest runs part way along the spine. The general colour is grey or light brown with a few darker-coloured transverse bars. The snout is often bluish, the lips pale and a white line runs down each side of the animal. Females are similar in colour but when they are carrying eggs, they turn purple with black bands and an orange or red tail.

The rhinoceros chameleon is endemic to dry forests in western Madagascar. Its range extends from the Ankarafantsika National Park in the north west to Soalala in the south west but many of the sightings in the middle of its range were made a long time ago and it is unclear whether it is still to be found in these locations.