Class Reptilia Superorder Lepidosauria Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Infraclass Lepidosauromorpha Suborder Lacertilia Order Scaled reptiles | |
Similar Brookesia, Brookesia ambreensis, Brookesia bonsi, Antsingy leaf chameleon, Brookesia ebenaui | ||
Brookesia brygooi, commonly known as the leaf chameleon, is a species of chameleon endemic to Madagascar. It was first described in 1995 by Raxworthy and Nussbaum and named in compliment to Édouard-Raoul Brygoo.
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Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature classed this species as Least Concern.
Distribution and habitat
Brookesia brygooi is endemic to southwestern Madagascar, where its type locality is Analavelona, Fianarantsoa Province, south-central Madagascar. Because it is widespread and commonly found in protected areas, it was listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It can be found at elevations between 20 and 571 m (66 and 1,873 ft) above mean sea level (AMSL), and over an area of 147,782 square kilometres (57,059 square miles). Details about the true population of B. brygooi are unknown, although it is known to be widespread. It is found in many protected parks/areas/nature reserves, and is also protected under the Madagascar laws.
Description
Brookesia brygooi has an "unusual" shape of body and is earthy in colour.
Diet
Its diet includes insects.
Behavior
It spends the night resting on twigs.
Reproduction
The female of Brookesia brygooi lays two to five eggs per clutch. The eggs measure 2.5 by 1.5 mm (0.098 by 0.059 in) each.
Taxonomy
It was initially described by Raxworthy and Nussbaum in 1995 under the name of Brookesia brygooi. The same scientific name was later used by Necas in 1999, and, most recently by Townsend et al. in 2009. According to the ITIS, the taxonomic status of B. brygooi is valid. It is commonly known as the leaf chameleon.