Question by Kitsu: What’s the difference between old and new world chameleons?
I’m doing a project on chameleons, and this has been puzzling me for awhile. I know veiled, jackson’s, and panther chameleons are often considered old world species, but what are some new world species? What would be some other old world species? How do you tell the difference between old and new world chameleons?
Best answer:
Answer by Falcion
True chameleons are only native to the old world, primarily Africa and Madagascar, though there are a few small introduced feral populations in Hawaii, California, and Florida. There are no species of chameleons native to the new world.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chameleon)
The animal commonly (and incorrectly) called a chameleon, but is from the new world and very common is the Anole. They can change their color from brown to green, which is why people often think that they are chameleons. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anole).
Add your own answer in the comments!
Most chameleons are found in Madagascar, Africa, Yemen, and Arabia……to my knowledge, I cannot currently think of a New World Species. Chameleons are part of the Iguanians (Chameleons, Agamas, Basilisks, Horned Lizards, Collared Lizards, Fence Lizards, and True Iguanas).
Anoles are closely related and are often called “chameleons”, but they are not true chameleons.
Also, Jackson’s Chameleons are now introduced to Southern Florida and Hawaii, but they are originally from East Africa.