Malagasy giant chameleon
A species of Malagasy chameleons, Also known as Oustalet's giant chameleon Scientific name : Furcifer oustaleti Genus : Malagasy chameleons
Malagasy giant chameleon, A species of Malagasy chameleons
Also known as:
Oustalet's giant chameleon
Scientific name: Furcifer oustaleti
Genus: Malagasy chameleons
Content
Description General Info
Photo By SurreyJohn , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Malagasy giant chameleon or Oustalets's chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti ) is a very large species of chameleon which is endemic to Madagascar, but also has been introduced near Nairobi in Kenya (though its current status there is unclear).
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Diet
Malagasy giant chameleon primarily feeds on insects, demonstrating a particular preference for caterpillars and crickets. Interestingly, this species has also been documented to consume small lizards, denoting a diverse diet.
Appearance
Malagasy giant chameleon is a large chameleon, with males reaching up to 24 inches in length. They have a curved body shape and are covered in small, granular scales. Predominantly green or brown, their skin color changes with mood and environment. Males often have a series of white, red, or blue horizontal stripes. Notable features include a crested head, spiked back, and a long, prehensile tail. Females are generally smaller and less vibrantly colored.
Behavior
Malagasy giant chameleon is a solitary and territorial species, primarily diurnal, with a propensity for individual hibernation during cold periods. Its most distinctive behavior involves dynamic color change for social signaling and thermoregulation. Additionally, malagasy giant chameleon exhibits an arboreal lifestyle, relying on its prehensile tail for navigation through tree canopies.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Chameleons Genus
Malagasy chameleons Species
Malagasy giant chameleon 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
