The Mediterranean chameleon was introduced to our islands from North Africa in the 1850s. And from its first residence in a private garden in St Julians, it escaped and has now spread all over Malta, including Gozo!

The chameleon lives in trees, shrubs and low-growing vegetation, and may sometimes be found roaming private gardens. It is usually yellowish-brown with dark bands on its body, and may turn to a greenish colour when among grass or other vegetation. Such camouflage helps the chameleon stalk its prey, as well as helps it hide from predators.

On the other hand, when alarmed, the chameleon turns to a dark colour, inflates its body with air and opens its mouth wide to appear larger and more fierce.

Its body is flattened from side to side and its head is crested. It has excellent eyesight. Additionally, its protuberant eyes can be moved independently of one another, helping it locate its prey. It usually feeds on a wide range of insects which are caught by its protrusible tongue.

In the past chameleons were captured and sold as pets. But today legislation is in place which protects these peculiar creatures and one should not pursue, keep, kill or sell these reptiles.

Should you require more information, please contact nature.requests@mepa.org.mt.

The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. Malta, together with many other countries around the globe, is carrying out a number of initiatives to celebrate life on earth and the value of biodiversity for our lives. We are all invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: Biodiversity.