Why are chameleons endangered?

Answer 1

No they are not!

This is false, in the past this may have been the case, but strict importation laws to limit the U.S. to a specified amount have allowed the population to flourish again in Madagascar. Most of the market in the U.S. stems from captive bred animals that are offsping from legally imported panther chameleons.

I have attached an article on the panther chameleon from Animal Planet's website to confirm this below:)

HowStuffWorks: How animal camouflage works.

Look up in Madagascar, and you may glimpse an expert hunter quietly traversing tree branches and shrubs, stalking its insect prey. Or you may not. The panther chameleon, all 13 to 22 inches (33 to 56 centimeters) of it, is a master of disguises. In the wild, it lives up to two years, and a female may lay up to two dozen eggs in a burrow she digs in the ground. A MOUTH WITH A MISSILE Extraordinarily long, powerful tongues and rotating eyes that give them practically 360- degree vision add to the panther chameleon's remarkable package. Both attributes allow the chameleon to strike its prey suddenly and from a distance. While the reptile moves slowly, its tongue is fast as a whip and covered in viscous mucus, with strong muscles at the end that allow it to firmly grasp its prey. The nimble chameleon also has strong limbs, ending in toes that form what look like two pincers or digits. These toes are excellent at grasping onto branches and other surfaces, adding to its agility. It can walk along a narrow branch and then stand up on its hind legs, place its toes on a higher branch and lift itself up by its forelegs - a sort of reptilian chin-up. COLOR THAT REPTILE ANGRY Consistent with its name, the animal's skin can change color dramatically, whether for camouflage - useful in both hunting and defense - or to signal its emotional state. Bright colors often indicate excitement or anger. Color can also indicate gender. A panther chameleon with bright blue-green coloring and patches of vivid yellow, pink and red, particularly near the head, is a male. Some males are darker with a more uniform deep-green color and a lighter stripe running along their side. These males may be confused with females, whose colors are generally muted - pale orange, light blue-green, gray, light brown - although they do become brighter when they're ready to mate. Like other lizards, panther chameleons may be found bathing in the sun, both to increase their body temperature and to absorb vitamin D. According to a study conducted at Texas Christian University, panther chameleons can actually gauge their vitamin D levels, and if they've already ingested enough vitamin D through their food, they'll spend less time in the sun. Panther chameleons remain plentiful in Madagascar, thanks, in part, to strict trade controls.

Answer 2

It is common misconception that Chameleons change color as camoflauge, to blend with their environment and avoid predation. However, they actually change colour due to mood, temperature and amount of light, as well as in response to sickness, or instinctive responses such as fear and aggression. It has also been found that chameleons change colour to become more obvious both to other chameleons and to predators.

See related link for more details.

Answer 3

There are 160 species of chameleon. Some of them are extremely common, while others are in danger of going extinct.

Answer 4

Deforestation in tropical rain forests destroys their habitat and different parasites such as choleoeimeria bohemii.

Answer 5

No, not all chameleons are endangered. Only four different species of chameleons are considered endangered.

Answer 6

Because they reduce the bug poulation.

Answer 7

Chameleons are not becoming extinct

Answer 8

Because it evolved that way