It is a common misconception that chameleons change colour to match their environment. They may darken and lighten depending on the natural light but their colouring doesn’t change with their surroundings. It has its colour range from birth based on its particular species which helps camouflage them in the natural habitat for that species.
Similarly, as humans we can adapt and change to our environment to an extent – but we are tied to our surroundings, cultures and values. Adaptation solutions need to be appropriate, sensitive and practical.
The classification of a Panther Chameleon is Furcifer pardalis and they are sometimes called a “Jungle Chameleon”. They are native to the eastern and northern parts of Madagascar.
Madagascar is one of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) which is disproportionately affected by Climate Change in which Startle seeks to work. With rich, magnificent, unique and precious ecosystems, yet extremely poor developmentally and financially, Madagascar needs help to bring about effective Adaptation Strategies and to Build Resilience to allow it not simply to cope but – rightly – thrive.
As well as being exported to the pet trade they also started disappearing due to deforestation in their natural habitat. You can now only purchase regulated, captive-bred Panther Chameleons.
As the West sought these beautiful creatures as pets, the species suffered, directly and indirectly. Similarly, as the West burned hydrocarbons so the environment suffered. Thankfully the pet trade is now regulated and protections are in place. So too – we hope- the world waking up to the damage it has done (and continues to do) through Climate Change.
Environmental changes cause chameleons lots of stress so it is essential that any changes to their habitat, is minimised and mimics their natural one.
We know the dire consequences of uncontrolled Climate Change. But the process of Adaptation needs care – lest we clumsily, or arrogantly, destroy the very things we seek to protect.
This species is an avid climber and has specialized zygodactyl feet with multiple toes in opposing directions, specifically two toes opposite three toes to help them grip branches.
Panther Chameleons have evolved and adapted beautifully and practically, individually unique but dependent on their own ecosystems. So too are Startle Adaptation Solutions. Impact businesses are incubated and developed to meet particular opportunities and needs. Startle works with local communities and leading international companies to Build Resilience and Capacity enabling us all to face the future with hope.
