TREKKING TO SEE THE RARE THREE HORNED CHAMELEONS IN UGANDA

Have you ever imagined about chameleon tracking experiences? Have you heard or seen the three horned chameleon? When it comes to wildlife safaris, Uganda is not only for the big five or the rare mountain gorillas but also for a fascinating chameleon experiences. Think about the rare chameleon species and look not further than the three horned Jackson’s chameleon encounters. This unique creature thrives at an altitude of about 1700 meters above seas level. A trek to see these rare species starts from 1800 meters above sea level up to 2022 meters above sea level. The three horned chameleons are listed as endangered species and they can be seen in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where the rare mountain gorillas also thrive. The three horned chameleon is rare from the rest in that it can thrive from 17 to 18 years on a free range, the female gives birth to live off springs compared to the rest of species where a female has to have eggs and once they are mature it bursts for off springs to be born. They are on free range and you get a chance to look out for this spectacular reptile species.

THREE HORNED CHAMELEON

There are several differences between the male Johnston’s chameleon and the rest of chameleons. Firstly, they are distinct using their three horns at the fore head. Like the rest of chameleon species, Jackson’s chameleons take the advantage of their changing color for hiding. Many chameleons use this as away to safe guard themselves from the predators. They usually change color mainly to hunt down their prey especially the insects. They also use take the advantage of their color as a means of communication especially when it comes to encountering the fellow enemy or courtship with females and as away of minimizing the temperatures in their bodies.

They are endemic to the Great Albertine rift and can only be tracked around the Rwenzori region, Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi National Park in Uganda and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. From 6 to 12 months the fully grown Jacksons chameleon can be 30 centimeters. They largely depend on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, bugs, butterflies.

Their tongue consists of rare muscles on the tip which enables them to trap the prey. They also have unique feet compared to other lizards as they are able to catch a grip of the tree trunks while climbing.

Like any chameleon species, the Jackson’s chameleons have eyes which gives them ability to turn up to 360 degrees and this means that they can view at all angles without moving.

In conclusion, the three horned chameleon in Uganda can be viewed in Rwenzori National Park or Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If you are planning your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, make sure that you do not leave out chameleon tracking.