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Range: Yemen Habitat: Lightly forested to desert regions. Generally low brush Natural Diet: Small insects, and vegetation. Diet at RainForest: Crickets Size: 6-10" RainForest Facts: Sometimes known as "Old World Chameleons, or True Chameleons, the Veiled belongs to a family of roughly 80 species of lizards. Madagascar is home to a highly varied population of chameleons. This endearing lizard is known for it's ability to change colors and hide from predators. They have
Chameleons are highly arboreal (tree-living). They have grasping hands that work much like human hands. Three fingers are fused together and face toward the inside. They also have a prehensile tail that they use as a fifth appendage. The Veiled, or Yemen Chameleon is
native to an arid region of the world that experiences cooler night time
temperatures than the average chameleon is used to enduring.
Status in Wild: Like those of many other animals, wild chameleon populations are experiencing pressures from commercial exploitation and extensive habitat loss. Chameleon populations are particularly sensitive to the problems associated with habitat loss because many chameleon populations have evolved in small, often isolated pockets and are unable to relocate.
RainForest Adventures zoo, Smoky Mountains, Tennessee near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN |
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eyes
that can move independently and look in two directions at once, as well as
swivel nearly 180 degrees. They are therefore able to look in any direction, and
even follow moving objects, without turning their heads or shifting body
position. When a prey animal is spotted, both eyes will focus on the insect in
order to perceive depth.