Four small chameleon species discovered in Madagascar

German scientists have discovered four species of tiny chameleon that reside in Madagascar, of which the smallest species - Brookesia micrac - is found only on the small island of Hara Nosy.

>>>Discover the world's smallest reptile

According to the study published in PLoS ONE magazine, the length from nose to tail in adults is only 29mm maximum, Brookesia micrac chameleon is quickly recognized as the smallest chameleon in the world. They are so small that they can stand on the head of a match.

Especially, all 4 species of Brookesia are endemic to Madagascar. In the daytime, they live under the leaves of dry leaves, but the night goes to the trees to sleep, this behavior helps researchers discover them more easily.

Although found in the protected area, due to the narrow scope of residence plus negative impacts from deforestation, many researchers are concerned that the endemic Brookesia chameleon species will be easy. They are at risk of extinction, especially the two species Brookesia desperata and Brookesia tristis , whose names are in turn set to be equivalent to 'extinction' and 'grief'.

More importantly, if the situation is not prevented soon, it is feared that rare and precious small reptiles will permanently disappear before researchers find their surprising evolution.

In terms of size, Brookesia micrac chameleon is only slightly more than the matchhead

Close up of Brookesia micra species

Brookesia desperate chameleon with its eggs

Map of distribution of chameleon species in Madagascar (Photo: Mongabay.com)