Species profile
About this species
The short-horned chameleon is a medium-sized chameleon endemic to the rainforests of Madagascar, notable for its single short rostral appendage on the snout of males. It displays a range of green, brown & yellow hues & can alter its colouration in response to temperature, mood & social interaction. Like all chameleons, it moves slowly & deliberately through vegetation, relying on camouflage as its primary defence against predators.
Montane & mid-altitude rainforests of eastern & northern Madagascar, typically found in humid primary forest understorey among dense shrubs & low branches at elevations between 900 & 1800 metres.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Short-horned 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 between 07:00 & 10:00 when chameleons emerge to bask; the austral summer months of November to March offer the most active behaviour & lush green backgrounds in Madagascar.
Use a macro lens in the 90-105mm range to capture fine scale detail & eye texture without disturbing the animal. Shoot in the early morning when chameleons are basking & relatively stationary, allowing for slower shutter speeds & better depth of field control. Utilise a diffused off-camera flash to reveal vivid colour detail while avoiding harsh shadows in the dense forest understorey.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Short-horned 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.