chameleon

Biology of Indian Chameleon

1. BIOLOGY OF INDIAN CHAMELEON By Abhishek Dhara ROLL…………………...NO. …………. REG.NO……………………………

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I express my deep sense of gratitude to our teacher in charge Dr.Pijush Kanti Dandapath for his support. With deep sense of our respect I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my most respectful teacher Dr. Dipanjan Ray & the dept. of Zoology , Bajkul Milani Mahavidyalaya under Vidyasagar University for organizing in my Powerpoint Slideshow of Indian Chameleon ( Chamaeleo zeylanicus ) . I would also like to thank all staff of Zoology department. I acknowledge the assistance and help received from my class friend. I am also thankful to Bajkul College authority for giving us permission to Powerpoint Slideshow.

3. Objectives What is chameleon? Systematic position Origin Characters of chameleon Habitat of chameleon Diet of chameleon Behavior of chameleon Adaptation of chameleon Reproduction of chameleon Conservation status of chameleon

4. Introduction Chameleons are recognised by triangular head with a pointed crest above and a prehensile tail. Both fore and hind limbs have two digits opposed to the primates. The sticky club shaped tongue may extend to the size of the body during catching insects. Eyes can be moved independently. They have a remarkable power in changing the color and this is controlled by an autonomic nervous system. The color may be in response of light, heat or emotion. They are arboreal and insectivorous.

5. Systematic Position Kindom-Animalia Phylum- Chordata Subphylum-Vertebrata Superclass-Gnathostomata Class- Reptilia Subclass- Lepidosauria Order- Squamata Suborder- Lacertilia Family- Chamaeleonidae Genus- Chameleo Species- Chamaeleo zeylanicus

6. Origin We found out this was probably first in the late Cretaceous , 65 million years ago, and then again in the Oligocene period, about 45 million years ago.

7. What is Indian Chameleon ( Chamaeleo zeylanicus )? The Indian chameleon ( Chamaeleo zeylanicus ) is a species of chameleon found in India, Sri Lanka,and other parts of south Asia. Like other chameleons, this species has a long tongue, feet that are shaped into bifid claspers, a prehensile tail, independent eye movement , and the ability to change skin colour . They move slowly with a bobbing or swaying movement. They do not choose the background colour differences. They are usually in shades of green or brown or with bands. Thes can change colour rapidly and the primary purpose of colour change is for communication with other chameleons and for controlling body temperature by changing to dark colour to absorb heat.

8. Characters of Chameleon Chameleons are Reptiles. They can grow up to 14 inches long. They have a sticky club shaped tongue may extend to the size of the body during catching insects. They have a prehensile tail. They are insectivorous. They female chameleon may lay about 30 eggs in holes.

9. Habitat Chameleons are seen inhabiting almost all the parts of south India and west of the Ganges. However, they rarely seen in areas that receive heavy rain fall. Chameleons are mostly arboreal and are found in trees or on smaller bushes .

10. Diet The Chameleons diet is insects ( spiders, grasshoppers, cricket, locusts , caterpillars, moths, dragonflies and other insect). The large chameleons add small birds, mice and even other small lizards.

11. Behavior They have a sticky club shaped long tongue may extend to the size of the body during catching insects. It communicate to other animals by changing its color. They have a prehensile tail , that can be used to hold and manipulate objects finding and eating food in the trees.

12. Body of Chameleons Rostral crest Lateral crest Temporal crest Occipital lobes Gular crest Ventra crest Dorsal crest composed of single scales, cones of tubercles. Rows of enlarged scales or tubercles along the flanks Tarsal spur

13. Adaptation Chameleon change color in order to be camouflaged. Chameleons have long tongue tongue to catch their prey from far away. Chameleons have five toed claws like feet tostay on trees.

14. Reproduction Chameleons are mostly oviparous , with some being ovoviviparous . The oviparous species lay eggs three to six weeks after copulation . The female will dig a hole-from 10-30 cm(4-12 in ) , deep depending on the species and deposit her eggs.

15. Conservation status Least concern (IUCN 3.1) Chamealeo zeylanicus is listed as Least concern (IUCN 3.1) as it widely distributed.

16. Conclusion Chamealeo zeylanicus is listed as Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) as it widely distributed. It occurs in several protected areas and the current threats are not causing major declines at present. The species is however likely to be regionally threated in India and Sri Lanka C.zeylanicus prove to be distinct from the mainland form this species will require immediate reassessment and may warrant listing in a threatened category .

17. Reference Sinha,K.S ., Adhikari,S.,Ganguly , B.B.& Bharati Goswami,B.D .(2001).Biology of Animals. Vol. II. www.wikipedia.org www.animaldiversity.org www.slideshare.net www.powershow.com

18. Thank you