Chameleons

In some regions local people have developed a fear of these unusual, bizarre-looking lizards, believing them to be poisonous or deadly in some other way. In other places, chameleons are believed to have medicinal value, and are sold dried for use in folk medicine.

Chameleons are striking and interesting animals, and they are sometimes kept as pets. Some chameleons are also sold internationally in the pet trade. However, chameleons are rather finicky creatures, and they usually do not survive very long in captivity. Not many people have the zoological skills needed to successfully keep chameleons alive.

As with so many other types of wildlife, the greatest threat to populations of chameleons is through the loss of their natural habitat. Most chameleon species do not adapt well to habitats that are intensively managed by humans. As a result, the populations of chameleons generally decline markedly when their natural habitats are converted to agricultural or residential land uses.