The Mount Abu Chameleon - New Evidence of Distribution of Chamaeleo zeylanicus (Reptilia: Chamaeleonidae) in Rajasthan, India

Petr Nečas

Corresponding author: petr.necas@me.com 

Abstract

The first physical evidence of the occurrence of Chamaeleo zeylanicus in Mount Abu, Rajasthan is discussed together with the overview of the distribution of the species in India.

Key words: Chameleons, distribution, Chamaeleo zeylanicus, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India

Introduction

Chamaeleo zeylanicus, commonly known as the Asian Chameleon, has a fragmented distribution in Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan (Nečas, 1999; Tilbury, 2019; Sindaco & al.). It is the only chameleon species found in India. Its distribution spans the entire peninsular region of the country, from the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats, and extending into the northern and central parts of India. The northernmost limit of Chamaeleo zeylanicus in India is around the Gangetic plains. In the northeastern states, the species is not commonly found, and its presence is limited to specific areas with suitable habitats. The species is known to inhabit a variety of biotope types, including scrub jungles, deciduous forests, gardens, orchards, cultivations and even urban areas. Recent studies have documented its presence in several states, including Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. Singh & Sharma (2016) noted that the chameleon exhibits significant seasonal variation in its occurrence, with higher activity observed during the monsoon season. In Maharashtra, new locality records have been documented, such as a recent photographic record from Katol Tehsil in the Nagpur district (Gajbe 2023). In West Bengal, a new locality record was reported from Paschim Medinipur.

The habitat preferences of Chamaeleo zeylanicus have been extensively studied. Koli & Sharma (2017) found that the chameleon prefers dense vegetation with ample hiding spots, such as scrub jungles and deciduous forests. The study also highlighted the species' reliance on specific microhabitats, which are crucial for its survival and reproduction. 

Rajasthan, a state in northwestern India, is home to a significant population of Chamaeleo zeylanicus. The species has been observed in various forest types across the state, including the Aravali Range, the Thar Desert, and the Ranthambore National Park. Studies have shown that the chameleon prefers habitats with dense vegetation and ample hiding spots, such as scrub jungles and deciduous forests (Sharma & Koli, 2018). Recent research has documented the presence of Chamaeleo zeylanicus in several locations within Rajasthan, including the Sariska Tiger Reserve, Manesar, and Damdama lakes. These observations indicate that the species is well-adapted to the arid and semi-arid environments of the region. The distribution of Chamaeleo zeylanicus in Rajasthan is influenced by various factors, including habitat availability, climate, and human activities. Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and agricultural expansion pose significant threats to the species' survival. Koli & Sharma (2015) highlighted the need for comprehensive conservation efforts to protect the remaining populations and ensure their long-term viability. They emphasized the importance of preserving critical habitats and implementing measures to mitigate the impacts of human activities. Sengupta (2019) reported new distributional records of the chameleon from the Aravali Hill Range. 

Concerning the occurrence of Chamaeleo zeylanicus on Mount Abu, several mentions were made (D'Souza 1978; Sharma 2001; Sharma & Koli 2018), without any concrete evidence in voucher specimens or photo and video documentation.

Conservation efforts for Chamaeleo zeylanicus are crucial to ensure the survival of this unique species. The IUCN SSC Chameleon Specialist Group (10.02.2025) has been actively involved in assessing the conservation status of chameleons worldwide, including Chamaeleo zeylanicus. It is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (Srinivasulu & al. 2014). It is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India. Specifically, it is listed under Schedule II, which provides legal protection against hunting and trade.

Observation

In August 2017, I visited Mount Abu for the first time and encountered various species of reptiles. During discussions with local residents, they mentioned the presence of a chameleon in the area. They clarified that they were not confusing it with the common Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), which is abundant in the region. Based on their descriptions, it was clear they were aware of a local chameleon species. Unfortunately, my initial search was unsuccessful.

A week later, I received a photograph of a roadkill specimen of Chamaeleo zeylanicus from Sirohi along the Mount Abu Road (24°34'53" N 72°46'49" E, 700m a.s.l.) from the local snake rescuer, Yadav Chintu. In the following years, two videos were posted on YouTube depicting the Indian chameleon from Mount Abu (Neeraj 2921; Massey 2023). I returned to the area in March 2024, but my search was again unsuccessful.

On 12th September 2024, at the end of the rainy season, I finally found evidence of the Indian chameleon's occurrence in the area. The specimen was located close to the site where the original photograph of the roadkill specimen was taken, perched approximately 6 meters high on a bamboo plant (24°34'20" N 72°46'50" E, 620m a.s.l.). It was a subadult female. The location is situated on the southern slope of Mount Abu, it is a steep slope overgrown with a combination of high trees and bushes, no continuous forest is formed, as it is disrupted by the steep slopes and partly modified by the human activities and scattered with fruit trees and bamboo bushes. Temporary and semipermanent streams run down the slopes of Mount Abu and provide water for the lush vegetation in the rainy season, which dries and partly loses leaves in the dry season.

Discussion

Mount Abu, located in the Aravalli Range, is recognized for its ecological significance. The area is home to tropical dry deciduous forests at lower altitudes and evergreen forests at higher altitudes. The region hosts several rare species, some are endemic, such as:

• Dicliptera abuensis (Diclipteraceae)
• Carvia callosa (Verbenaceae)
• Ischaemum kingii (Poaceae)

The Sirohi district, on the slopes of Mount Abu, has diverse biotopes, including both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. A biodiversity assessment conducted in the area identified 61 species of terrestrial flora and 11 species of aquatic vegetation (Sharma, 2015). The region also supports a variety of fauna, including:

• Mammals, e.g.: Panthera pardus (Leopard) (Felidae), Melursus ursinus (Sloth Bear) (Mammalia: Ursidae), Cervus unicolor (Sambar Deer) (Mammalia: Cervidae), Sus scrofa (Wild Boar) (Mammalia: Suidae); (Mehra, 2023).

• Reptiles, e.g.: Varanus bengalensis (Monitor Lizard) (Reptilia: Varanidae), Python molurus (Indian Python) (Reptilia: Pythonidae), Naja naja (Indian Cobra) (Reptilia: Elapidae), Daboia russelii (Russell's Viper) (Reptilia: Viperidae); (Mehra 2020).

• Birds, e.g.: Gallus gallus (Grey Junglefowl) Aves: (Phasianidae), Gallicolumba spadicea (Red Spurfowl) (Aves: Columbidae), Amandava formosa (Green Munia) (Aves: Estrildidae), Parus nuchalis (Pied Tit) (Aves: Paridae); (Sharma 2002).

Conservation measures in the Sirohi vicinity focus on mitigating the impact of industrial activities, such as mining and cement production. Efforts include creating eco-sensitive zones, regulating development activities, and implementing biodiversity impact assessments to minimize negative effects on the environment (Government of India, 2023).

Historically, Mount Abu and its surrounding areas were known as a hunting ground for the Mharanas, a Rajput clan. The region's rich biodiversity and dense forests made it an ideal location for hunting. The Mharanas, known for their valor and hunting prowess, often used these areas for their hunting expeditions (Mehra, 2023).

The low human population, conservation and security measures and hardly accessible mountainous terrain together with increasing importance of Mount Abu as a tourism, pilgrimage and ecotourism hotspot, are promising in the conservation of the existence of Chamaeleo zeylanicus in this area. The local people do not pay attention to chameleons and encounter them very rarely due to their secretive lifestyle and low, seasonal abundance. Religious doctrines in India are also very tolerant to all animals and plants.

Note

The use of the name "Asian chameleon" for Chamaeleo zeylanicus is unfortunate because there are several other chameleon species and subspecies with distributions in Asia (modified after Nečas 1999; Sindaco & al. 2013; Tilbury 2019):

Arabian Chameleon, Chamaeleo arabicus (southern Yemen and Oman),

Common (or European or Mediterranean) Chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, has three subspecies penetrating Asia:

Chamaeleo chamaeleon musae (Sinai Peninsula, Egypt),

Chamaeleo chamaeleon orientalis (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen),

Chamaeleo chamaeleon recticrista (Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, and Jordan),

Spurred Chameleon, Chamaeleo calcarifer, (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).

Yemen Chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus (Yemen and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).

Consequently, the name "Asian chameleon" is not only non-unique but also quite misleading. A more suitable vernacular name would be the "Indian Chameleon," as there are no other chameleon species found in India, and this name accurately reflects the majority of the inhabited area.

Acknowledgements

I would express my gratitude to Harsh Dana (Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India) for the field assistance and guidance, to Yadav Chintu (Santpur, Rajasthan, India) for providing the first photographic evidence of the occurrence of Chamaeleo zeylanicus in Mount Abu area and to Yusef Khan (Udaipur, Rajasthan, India) for the years-long friendship, guidance and logistic assistance.

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