Reptiles
Oustalet's Chameleon
Furcifer oustaleti · also called malagasy giant chameleon
Ranking among the largest chameleon species alive, Oustalet’s chameleon shows an unusual trait for its family, females grow to nearly the same size as males, a departure from the pronounced size gap seen in most other chameleon species.
Overview
Oustalet’s chameleon, Furcifer oustaleti, is a Least Concern reptile found across a broad area of natural and disturbed habitat throughout Madagascar. Its status as one of the largest chameleon species, unusually similar male and female sizes, and tolerance of modified landscapes make it one of the more adaptable and widespread chameleons on the island.
Thriving where others struggle
While many Madagascar chameleon species decline as their forest habitat is cleared, Oustalet’s chameleon has shown a notable ability to persist in degraded and human-modified landscapes, a tolerance that has helped keep it widespread even as the island’s natural habitat shrinks.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across a broad range of natural and disturbed habitat throughout much of Madagascar.
Oustalet's Chameleon: common questions
How big does Oustalet's chameleon get?
It ranks among the largest chameleon species in the world, with some individuals reaching a substantial length, among the biggest of Madagascar's many chameleon species.
Are male and female Oustalet's chameleons similar in size?
Yes, unusually for a chameleon species, females grow to a size close to that of males, unlike many other chameleons where males are notably larger than females.
Can Oustalet's chameleon live in disturbed habitat?
Yes, it tolerates degraded and human-modified landscapes better than many other Madagascar chameleon species, which has helped it remain widespread across the island.
Is Oustalet's chameleon endangered?
No, it is Least Concern, remaining widespread across a broad range of natural and disturbed habitat throughout much of Madagascar.