Reptile · GBIF taxon 8371864
Jackson's Chameleon
Trioceros jacksoniiAlso known as Jackson's Horned Chameleon, Three-horned Chameleon, Kikuyu Three-horned Chameleon
Jackson's chameleons are renowned for the three prominent brown horns present on mature males, giving them a distinctly prehistoric appearance. Native to the cool montane forests of East Africa, these slow-moving arboreal reptiles hunt insects using long, sticky, projectile tongues. Unlike most egg-laying lizards, females give birth to live young after a gestation period of several months.
ReptileTree DwellingColor Changing
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Crickets
- Caterpillars
- Spiders
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Snakes
- Domestic cats
ThreatsHabitat destruction, illegal collection for pet trade
HabitatsMontane cloud forests, humid woodlands, suburban gardens
Life span5–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyChamaeleonidae
- SpeciesTrioceros jacksonii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a minor defensive bite if cornered; observe quietly without handling.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Watch quietly from a few meters away, as stress causes their skin color to darken significantly.
- Handling: Allow the lizard to climb voluntarily onto a hand or twig rather than grabbing its body.
- Spotting: Look high in tree foliage during cool morning hours when they climb up to bask.
Ecological Peer (c) Daily Anole, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Ecological Peer (c) McBeul, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative Adrian Pingstone / Public domain · cc0
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