Species profile
About this species
Thiel's leaf chameleon is a small, cryptic reptile native to the montane forests of Cameroon. It is characterised by its flattened body, leaf-like appearance, & mottled brown colouration that provides exceptional camouflage among leaf litter. Like other pygmy chameleons, it relies on mimicry rather than rapid colour change to avoid predators.
Montane rainforest floor & lower vegetation layers in the highlands of Cameroon, particularly among decomposing leaf litter & low shrubs.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Thiel's leaf 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 during the wet season when individuals are most active & humidity keeps them moving through low vegetation. The wet season in Cameroon typically runs from March to November.
Use a macro lens to capture fine details of the skin texture & patterning at close range. Work with a diffused artificial light source such as a ring flash to reduce harsh shadows in the dense forest understorey. Move slowly & deliberately to avoid startling the animal, as it will freeze or drop to the forest floor when threatened.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Thiel's leaf 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.