The smooth chameleon (Chamaeleo laevigatus) is a species of chameleon native to Sub-Saharan Africa.[1][3] It is bluish-green and has small scales. Its body is very slender, and it is similar to Chamaeleo senegalensis.[2]

Smooth chameleon
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Chamaeleonidae
Genus: Chamaeleo
Species:
C. laevigatus
Binomial name
Chamaeleo laevigatus
Gray, 1863[2]
Distribution of Smooth Chameleon
Synonyms[3]

Chamaeleon sphaeropholis Reichenow, 1887

Distribution

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Found mostly in the lowlands,[4] Chamaeleo laevigatus is widely distributed in the Central and East Africa. It has been recorded in Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Zambia, Ethiopia, and Cameroon.[1][3] There is uncertainty whether the Cameroonian records represent this species or the morphologically similar Chamaeleo senegalensis,[1] and the same may apply to the Central African Republic.[3]

Habitat

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It is an arboreal savanna species, sometimes observed in trees along watercourses.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Tolley, K.; Trape, J.-F. (2014). "Chamaeleo laevigatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T172542A1344815. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T172542A1344815.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Gray, J.E. (1863). "Notice on a new species of Chamaeleon sent from Khartoum by Mr. Consul Patherick". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1863: 94–95.
  3. ^ a b c d Chamaeleo laevigatus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 4 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Chamaeleo laevigatus". Chameleon Forums. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2014.