Labord's chameleon is a remarkable reptile that lives in the dry forests of western Madagascar. It has the shortest lifespan of any four-legged vertebrate, living for only about five months after hatching.
But what makes this species even more fascinating is the dramatic color change that occurs in its final moments.
A new footage captured by researchers reveals the stunning spectacle of a female chameleon erupting in a rainbow of colors before dying.
A Rare and Poignant Sight
Pierre Bamin/Unsplash
The footage, which was filmed in the Kirindy Forest using time-lapse photography, shows a female chameleon displaying a chaotic pattern of colors on her skin during her last hours.
This phenomenon has never been seen before and is believed to be a unique feature of this species. The researchers who witnessed this event described it as "as if uttering her last words" and "a mystical transformation".
The color change is not related to camouflage or communication, as it is commonly seen in other chameleons. Instead, it is thought to be a result of physiological changes that occur as the chameleon nears death.
The researchers speculate that the chameleon's skin cells, which contain pigment granules called chromatophores, lose their ability to control the distribution of these granules. As a result, the granules randomly move within the cells, creating the kaleidoscopic effect.
The footage also shows the chameleon's eyes, which are normally independent and able to rotate in different directions, becoming fixed and staring.
This indicates that the chameleon is losing its vision and brain function as well. The researchers suggest that the color change may be a way of expressing the chameleon's emotions or state of mind in its final moments, similar to how humans use words or facial expressions.
Labord's chameleon (Furcifer labordi) is one of the most extreme examples of a fast life cycle in the animal kingdom. It spends more time developing inside an egg than outside of it.
The eggs hatch synchronously at the start of the wet season in November, after about eight months of incubation. The hatchlings then grow rapidly, reaching adulthood by January. They mate, lay eggs, and die by March, before the dry season returns
This unusual life cycle is adapted to the harsh and unpredictable climate of Madagascar's forests, where resources are scarce and predators are abundant.
By living fast and dying young, the chameleons minimize their exposure to environmental stress and maximize their reproductive success.
However, this strategy also makes them vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change, which could disrupt their delicate balance
Labord's chameleon is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and its population is declining due to deforestation and illegal trade.
The researchers hope that their footage will raise awareness and appreciation for this amazing animal and its fragile ecosystem.
They also hope to learn more about the biological and evolutionary mechanisms behind the chameleon's color change and its implications for understanding the diversity and complexity of life on Earth.
