The world’s smallest chameleon. The 29mm reptile is no bigger than the flies an average-sized chameleon would feed on. Scientists discovered four new species - called Brookesia micra - on a small islet just off the main island of Madagascar. This chameleon is now thought to be one of the smallest reptiles on the planet. Ted Townsend of San Diego State University, who carried out the genetic studies, said: “Their size suggests that chameleons might have evolved in Madagascar from small and inconspicuous ancestors, quite unlike the larger and more colourful chameleons most familiar to us today.î The newly discovered chameleons are only found in an area just a few square kilometers in size. Scientists believe they might be especially sensitive to habitat destruction. Picture: BARCROFT MEDIA
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