The animal sets a record of living fast, dying young

A species of chameleon in Madagascar with the scientific name Furcifer labordi spends most of its life in eggshells. After about 8 months of incubating in the ground, it expanded and only lived for another 4-5 months.

The short life of the chameleon Furcifer labordi

In less than 60 days, the male's body size can be increased by 4 or 5 times when it reaches maturity. No other four-legged animal is known to have such rapid growth and short life, researcher Kristopher B. Karsten of Oklahoma State University said.

A sleeping gecko Furcifer labordi

Most mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians typically have a lifespan of 2 to 10 years. Some species, including turtles and humans, can live up to a century. Only a few animals have a year of life, such as 9 marsupials and 12 lizards.

Karsten discovers the incredible life cycle of the accidental Furcifer labordi . They bloomed in the rainy season in November, and grow very fast, 2.6 mm longer each day - much faster than previously known lizards. At maturity, the female dug up sand to lay eggs, then covered it up. Eggs will wait until the rainy season, within 8-9 months later, and all adults die.

Furcifer labordi male gecko

" It's amazing to think that most of the time of the year, this gecko species is only present by growing eggs in the ground," one team member said.

The authors argue that the short life cycle of geckos may be an adaptation to Madagascar 's dramatic climate change . Early death can promote faster growth and earlier birth.

The discovery raises the issue of the conservation of short-lived animals, particularly on the island of Madagascar, where biodiversity is very high while forests are being destroyed quickly.