Brookesia thieli
Brookesia thieli, also known as Domergue's leaf chameleon or Thiel's pygmy chameleon, is a small lizard species endemic to eastern Madagascar. It inhabits forest environments at high elevations and is characterized by its cryptic coloration and small size. This species reproduces by laying eggs.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to eastern Madagascar.
- ›Inhabits forests at altitudes between 875 and 1,200 meters.
- ›First described in 1969 by Brygoo and Domergue.
- ›Reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous).
- ›Its specific name honors French botanist Jean Thiel.
Domergue's Leaf Chameleon, Thiel's Pygmy Chameleon
Eastern Madagascar
About Brookesia thieli
What is known
Brookesia thieli, commonly referred to as Domergue's leaf chameleon or Thiel's pygmy chameleon, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Chamaeleonidae. This species is native to the eastern regions of Madagascar, with its type locality identified as Ambodimanga, Andapa. It was first formally described in 1969 by herpetologists Édouard-Raoul Brygoo and Charles Antoine Domergue.
Distribution and Habitat
The geographic range of Brookesia thieli extends across eastern Madagascar, from areas south of Ranomafana to Anjanaharibe-Sud in the north. The species has also been recorded in various other locations within Madagascar, including Ambohitantely, Angavo-Anjozorobe, Analamazaotra, Mantadia, Marojejy, and Vohidrazana. It is believed to inhabit an area of approximately 43,865 square kilometers. Brookesia thieli is found at elevations between 875 and 1,200 meters (2,871 to 3,937 feet) above sea level. Its preferred natural habitat is forest environments.
Taxonomy and Naming
Brookesia thieli was initially described in 1969. In 1971, Brygoo and Domergue also described the same species as Brookesia antoetrae. However, in 1995, Raxworthy and Nussbaum proposed that Brookesia antoetrae be considered a synonym of Brookesia thieli, although this classification has not been universally accepted by all subsequent researchers. The specific epithet "thieli" honors Jean Thiel, a French botanist specializing in tropical forests.
Reproduction
Brookesia thieli reproduces by laying eggs, classifying it as an oviparous species.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for Domergue's leaf chameleon?
The scientific name for Domergue's leaf chameleon is Brookesia thieli. It is also sometimes referred to by the scientific name Brookesia antoetrae, though this is now considered a synonym by some authors.
Where is Brookesia thieli found?
Brookesia thieli is found in eastern Madagascar. Its known range extends from Ranomafana in the south to Anjanaharibe-Sud in the north.
What kind of habitat does Thiel's pygmy chameleon prefer?
Thiel's pygmy chameleon prefers forest habitats. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 875 to 1,200 meters above sea level.
How does Brookesia thieli reproduce?
Brookesia thieli is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs. Specific details about its nesting behavior or clutch size are not extensively documented in the provided information.
What is the conservation status of Brookesia thieli?
Brookesia thieli is currently ranked by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as 'least concern'. This indicates that the species is not currently facing a high risk of extinction.
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