Reptile
Nosy Hara Leaf Chameleon
Brookesia micraAlso known as Nosy Hara Dwarf Chameleon, Micro Chameleon
Nosy Hara leaf chameleons rank among the smallest known reptiles on Earth, perfectly adapted for life within leaf litter on a tiny limestone islet. During the day, these miniature lizards forage among dry fallen leaves for tiny soil organisms, relying on cryptic mottled brown coloration to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. At night, they climb up into low shrubs and roost on twigs just a few inches off the ground to stay clear of terrestrial predators.
TinyMadagascarReptile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preySpringtails, Mites, Small flies
Predators
- Spiders
- Centipedes
- Birds
ThreatsExtreme habitat restriction, illegal collection, forest degradation
HabitatsLimestone karst leaf litter, dry deciduous forest floor
Life span1–3 years
Classification
- FamilyChamaeleonidae
- GenusBrookesia
- SpeciesBrookesia micra
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Measures under three centimeters long with mottled brown body coloration matching dead leaves.
- Support conservation
- Observe strictly from trail paths without disturbing leaf litter or handling wild individuals.
Responsible observation
- Night Spotting: Use a torch to spot them at night roosting on low twigs a few inches above the ground.
- Watch Your Step: Walk carefully on island trails to avoid stepping on leaf litter microhabitats.
- Look Low: Scan the dry forest floor slowly during the day for tiny movements among fallen leaves.
Neighboring Species (c) McBeul, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Frank Glaw, Jörn Köhler, Oliver Hawlitschek, Fanomezana M. Ratsoavina, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Mark D. Scherz & Miguel Vences, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
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Emerald Kingdom
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