Kingdom Animalia Infraclass Lepidosauromorpha Suborder Lacertilia Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Class Reptilia Superorder Lepidosauria Infraorder Iguania Genus Brookesia Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar Brookesia tristis, Brookesia desperata, Brookesia, Mount d'Ambre leaf cham, Brookesia bonsi | ||
Brookesia confidens, also known as the leaf chameleon, is a newly discovered and one of the world's smallest species of chameleons. It is endemic to the Ankarana Nature Reserve (Ankarana National Park) in Madagascar. It was first described in 2012 by F. Glaw, J. Koehler, T.M. Townsend and M. Vences.
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Distribution and habitat
Found in northern Madagascar, B. confidens is one of the world's smallest chameleons. It was discovered in the Ankarana National Nature Reserve. It was first described in 2012 by Glaw, Koehler, Townsend and Vences. The nature reserve where B. confidens can be found on is well-protected. Little habitat destruction is currently occurring that could impact the species.
Description
Brookesia confidens is smaller than half of a human finger, and is roughly the size of a wedding ring. The snout–vent length of males is between 18.3 and 20.1 mm (0.72 and 0.79 in), and the total length is between 29.2 and 34.2 mm (1.15 and 1.35 in). The females are slightly larger, and have a snout-vent length between 20.6 and 22.6 mm (0.81 and 0.89 in), and a full length between 32.5 and 36.2 mm (1.28 and 1.43 in). It is the sister taxon of Brookesia tuberculata (Mount d'Ambre leaf chameleon). It is just larger than Brookesia micra. It looks identical to Brookesia desperata, Brookesia micra and Brookesia tristis.
Taxonomy
Brookesia confidens is commonly known as the leaf chameleon,.