Chameleons are a distinctive lineage of Old World lizards, instantly recognizable by their independently mobile eyes, specialized zygodactylous feet, and the ability to rapidly shift their skin coloration. Their evolutionary trajectory has resulted in a highly specific and concentrated geographic distribution, confining nearly all of the approximately 200 known species to a few select regions. This unique group of reptiles is not found naturally in the Americas or Australia, with their native presence centered almost entirely on the African continent and its adjacent islands.
Africa and Madagascar The Primary Center
The vast majority of chameleon species are natively found across the African mainland and the island of Madagascar, representing the center of their global diversity. Genetic analysis suggests the group originated in mainland Africa, with ancestors migrating to Madagascar over millions of years. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to a wide range of species, including the genus Trioceros, known for horned members like Jackson’s chameleon, adapted to diverse environments, from arid savannas to humid forests in regions like Tanzania and Cameroon.
Madagascar harbors nearly half of the world’s known chameleon species, over 100 of which are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else. This isolation has led to an explosion of speciation, producing the largest chameleons, such as the Parson’s chameleon (Calumma parsonii), and the smallest, like the minute Brookesia genus. The island’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from spiny deserts to humid rainforests, have served as an ideal laboratory for the evolution of these specialized lizards.
Isolated Native Populations
Outside of the African continent and Madagascar, a smaller, fragmented native range exists, comprised of populations that represent ancient dispersal events. One such area is the Arabian Peninsula, where the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is indigenous to the dry, mountainous regions of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. This species is notable for its large casque, or helmet-like crest.
Further west, native populations of the common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) are found in isolated pockets around the Mediterranean basin, including parts of Southern Europe. These European populations are considered the northernmost extent of the chameleons’ native range, inhabiting coastal areas in Spain and Portugal, as well as several Mediterranean islands like Crete and Malta. To the east, the native distribution extends into South Asia, where the Indian chameleon is the only species naturally occurring in India and Sri Lanka.
Established Non-Native Habitats
In contrast to their indigenous ranges, chameleons have established stable, reproducing populations in several areas where they are not native, almost always due to human introduction. These non-indigenous populations are primarily the result of the exotic pet trade, stemming from escaped or intentionally released animals. The United States, particularly the state of Florida, is home to several feral chameleon species, including the Oustalet’s chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti) and the veiled chameleon.
These introduced species can tolerate a range of environmental conditions and have high reproductive rates, posing a concern for local ecosystems. Hawaii is another region where non-native populations have become established, with the veiled and Jackson’s chameleons (Trioceros jacksonii) being the most commonly found introduced species.