The mail Nano-Chameleon (Brookesia nana) was discovered in 2020 by a German-Madagascan expedition team in northern Madagascar.

Its body is only 13.5 mm (0.53 inches) long, making it the smallest of all the 11,500 known species of reptiles.

The female nano-chameleon is significantly larger, with an overall length of 29 mm.

The species’ closest relative is the slightly larger Brookesia micra, who was discoverd in 2012.

This little guy lives in the forests and is great at hiding among leaves and twigs because it can change its color.

Even though it’s so small, it has all the regular features of a chameleon, like big eyes and a tail it can use to hold onto branches.

Despite its recent discovery, the Nano-Chameleon faces significant threats to its survival. Habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and human encroachment poses a grave danger to this species and many others endemic to Madagascar.

Climate change further exacerbates these threats, altering the delicate balance of ecosystems upon which the Nano-Chameleon depends.

Conservation efforts for the nano-chameleon are all about protecting its home in Madagascar’s forests. People are working hard to stop cutting down trees and to make sure the forests stay healthy. They’re also teaching others about how special the nano-chameleon is and why it’s important to keep it safe. Some groups are even helping to plant new trees to give the chameleon more places to live.

By taking care of the forests, we can help the nano-chameleon and other animals that call Madagascar home to thrive for years to come.