Today, we’re in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda hoping to find an adult version of a very unusual Chameleon that lives here. It’s called the Rwenzori 3 Horned Chameleon.
These mountains are the only place in the world where you can find them. Park Ranger Josiah Makwano is guiding us up to a level of 2000 meters or 6000 feet, which is the area where he says they are most often found.
It took some searching, but it wasn’t long before Josiah spotted something…
It was a male with the crazy looking 3 horns coming out of his head.
This Rwenzori Three Horned Chameleon is also known as Johnston’s chameleon and was first described in 1901.
There are many superstitions regarding this chameleon here, including the idea that the blood from its tail will heal deafness. Other people believe it to be highly poisonous.
As with most chameleons, this species is capable of changing their coloration.
The horns are used to do battle with other males of the species. Apparently, the boys have no problem hanging out with the females - but can’t stand being around each other.
I don’t know about you, but I think that is one very cool chameleon well worth the hike.
My thanks to Josiah for getting us up close and personal with an amazing creature in a place they call The Mountains of the Moon!
These mountains are the only place in the world where you can find them. Park Ranger Josiah Makwano is guiding us up to a level of 2000 meters or 6000 feet, which is the area where he says they are most often found.
It took some searching, but it wasn’t long before Josiah spotted something…
It was a male with the crazy looking 3 horns coming out of his head.
This Rwenzori Three Horned Chameleon is also known as Johnston’s chameleon and was first described in 1901.
There are many superstitions regarding this chameleon here, including the idea that the blood from its tail will heal deafness. Other people believe it to be highly poisonous.
As with most chameleons, this species is capable of changing their coloration.
The horns are used to do battle with other males of the species. Apparently, the boys have no problem hanging out with the females - but can’t stand being around each other.
I don’t know about you, but I think that is one very cool chameleon well worth the hike.
My thanks to Josiah for getting us up close and personal with an amazing creature in a place they call The Mountains of the Moon!
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