Species profile
About this species
Parson's chameleon is the largest chameleon species in the world, native to the rainforests of eastern & northern Madagascar. Males are particularly striking, displaying vivid green, blue & turquoise colouration with distinctive casques & rostral projections on their heads. They are slow-moving reptiles that rely on camouflage & colour change for communication & thermoregulation.
Humid primary rainforest & montane forest in eastern & northern Madagascar, typically found in mid-to-high canopy vegetation along forest edges & near streams
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Parson's chameleon with us in Madagascar.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours during the wet season from October to April, when chameleons are active & colours are most vibrant
Use a macro or short telephoto lens in the 100-200mm range to capture fine scale detail without disturbing the animal. Shoot in the early morning when chameleons are basking & relatively still, allowing for sharper images in natural light. Look for subjects against contrasting foliage backgrounds to make the vivid colouration stand out, & use a diffused flash to fill shadows without causing stress.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Parson's chameleon
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.