 Acrylic on illustration board 30" x 20" |
Probably the most widespread of all chameleons is the little flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dileppis), which thrives in a variety of habitats throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa. Like most of its clan, this reptile has the habit of 'hiding' behind its perch, orienting itself behind the branch it clings to when frightened by something. The tree in which this specimin perches is a knobthorn acacia (Acacia sp.). During the dry season in southern Africa's savannas, the abundant blossoms of this tree provide rare fodder for the few herbivorous animals that can reach them. At this time giraffes (Giraffa camelopardys) in the region are dependent on these trees for sustenance. It appears that giraffes are also important pollination vectors for the knobthorn acacia. Among the creatures in the background are a sungazer (Cordylus giganteus) and a scimitarbill (Phhoeniculus cyanomelas). |