Fauna
Reptile

Jackson's Chameleon

Trioceros jacksonii

Also 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
Jackson's Chameleon reference1 / 6
Patrick Gijsbers / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCrickets, 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
Classification
  1. FamilyChamaeleonidae
  2. GenusTrioceros
  3. SpeciesTrioceros jacksonii
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
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.
Related species
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Emerald Kingdom

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