Researchers Discover 11 New Chameleon Species In Madagascar, And They Previously Assumed It Was Just One

Researchers have discovered 11 new species of chameleon in Madagascar, which they previously assumed they were dealing with just one.

Chameleons are famously known for their ability to change color and a peculiar thing about these newly discovered chameleons is that their color changing ability is based on the place where they live. Researchers noted that some of the sighted were blue, while others were red, orange, or green, all depending on their habitat.

"This case of hidden speciation confirms a major characteristic of Madagascar: it is amongst the most diverse places for life on Earth; a biodiversity hotspot," said the University of Geneva research team in a statement.

According to researchers, the study can help protect the lizards from deforestation, which threatens about 400 reptile species, and several other types of flora and fauna, most of which can only be found in Madagascar.

Researchers also mentioned the urgent need to protect Madagascar's habitats.

Researchers explained the discovery in a study that was published in the journal Molecular Ecology.