Fauna
Reptile

Rwenzori Three-horned Chameleon

Trioceros johnstoni

Also known as Johnston's Chameleon, Johnston's Three-horned Chameleon, Ruwenzori Three-horned Chameleon

Rwenzori three-horned chameleons thrive in the cool, misty cloud forests of the Albertine Rift highlands. Adult males feature three prominent, forward-pointing horns used to push rival males off branches during territorial disputes, while females are completely hornless. These slow-moving lizards move through dense vegetation using zygodactylous feet and prehensile tails, snatching insects with explosive projectile tongues.

MontaneDimorphicReptile
Rwenzori Three-horned Chameleon reference
(c) JR Ferrer-Paris, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by JR Ferrer-Paris · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGrasshoppers, Moths, Spiders
Predators
  • Birds of prey
  • Tree snakes
  • Small mammalian carnivores
ThreatsHabitat loss from deforestation, agriculture, climate change
HabitatsMontane cloud forests, bamboo zones, alpine scrub
Life span3–7 years
Classification
  1. FamilyChamaeleonidae
  2. SpeciesTrioceros johnstoni
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for males with three prominent head horns clinging to montane vegetation in Central African highlands.
Support conservation
Do not touch, capture, or disturb vegetation supporting these lizards.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Scan mossy branches and shrubs along misty trails early in the morning.
  • Distance: Maintain a gentle distance to avoid scaring them into dropping from perches.
Related species
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