11 SUPER-COLORFUL NEW SPECIES DISCOVERED NOW
NEW CHAMELEON SPECIES
In a world where biodiversity -- and the spectrum of color it brings -- is threatened by human encroachment and intervention, the discoveries of new colorful species are especially important.
We were delighted to learn that 11 new species of chameleons have recently been identified, according to a new study, conducted by Swiss and Malagasy researchers.
Chameleons are able to modify the patterns on their bodies to blend in with their surroundings. Some are known for wild color changes that are also used as social signals -- color as a means of communication.
The panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis), endemic to Madagascar, was classified as one species, by French naturalist Georges Cuvier, in 1829. It was thought to be one of 62 chameleon species in Madagascar.
Panther chameleons have an exceptionally dramatic ability to morph between colors. But they don’t all do it in the same rainbows. Only now, after DNA testing, have scientists determined that these differences in color spectra actually indicate differences in species.
It turns out, that the panther chameleon encompasses 11 distinct species. Each one has evolved in a different micro-ecosystem, and, as a result, each morphs within a unique set of colors.
The Nosy Be species morphs are bright blue, for example, while the Sambava species morphs are mottled with green and yellow.
The accurate classification of chameleon species is incredibly important to their survival. Different groups of chameleons face different threats, depending on where they live.
The researchers created a simple color classification key, so that collectors can correctly identify the chameleons and avoid overharvesting any one species.
Professor Michel Milinkovitch, the lead researcher from the University of Geneva, also hopes that this study will raise awareness of the beautiful, but fragile, ecosystems in Madagascar.
Read more about Many Colors all this week on BeautifulNow, including Anime Colored Italian Cities, Color is All in Your Mind Now, Color Is Changing Worlds, and Amazing Rainbow Places to Visit Now. And check out more beautiful things happening now in BN Wellness, Impact, Nature/Science, Food, Arts/Design, and Travel, Daily Fix posts.
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IMAGE CREDITS:
- Image: by Florence Ivy. Can I help you?
- Image: by Chris Parker. Panther Chameleon.
- Image: by Chris Parker. Panther Chameleon.
- Image: by Florence Ivy. Rocket.
- Image: by Chris Parker. Panther Chameleon.
- Image: by Florence Ivy. Distaste.
- Image: by kuhnmi. Panther Chameleon.
- Image: by Tambako The Jaguar. Chameleon Between the Branches.
- Image: by Florence Ivy. Scales.
- Image: by Tambako The Jaguar. Panther Chameleon Profile.
- Image: by Drea Frei. Panther Chameleon.
- Image: by kuhnmi. Panther Chameleon.
- Image: by Thomas Helbig. Furcifer pardalis.
