Abstract
In this paper we discuss the current status of Chamaeleo zeylanicus including some observations related to the ecology, behaviour, current distribution pattern and conservation issues, based on the north-western population of the species in Sri Lanka. The area from Puttalam to Wanatha-Villuwa has the highest abundance of this species in Sri Lanka. They are deliberately killed by people in this area due to mythical beliefs and folk stories related to this species. Unplanned agricultural practices also destroy their habitats. The Sri Lankan C. zeylanicus population may be different from Indian populations and their taxonomic status has not been investigated. Keywords: Chamaeleon; Behaviour; conservation status; distribution; Sri Lanka DOI: 10.4038/tapro.v1i2.2765 TAPROBANICA, October, 2009. Vol. 01, No. 02: pp. 115-122
Highlights
In this paper we discuss the current status of Chamaeleo zeylanicus including some observations related to the ecology, behaviour, current distribution pattern and conservation issues, based on the north-western population of the species in Sri Lanka
The area from Puttalam to Wanatha-Villuwa has the highest abundance of this species in Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan C. zeylanicus population may be different from Indian populations and their taxonomic status has not been investigated
Summary
The family Chamaeleonidae consists of over 180 species belonging to six genera (Gray, 1865; Pough et al, 2004; Reptile Database, 2009), of which more than 56 species belong to the genus Chamaeleo (Halliday & Adler, 2002; Pough et al, 2004; Tilbury & Tolley, 2009). A REVIEW OF THE DISTRIBUTION AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF Chamaeleo zeylanicus LAURENTI, 1768 (REPTILIA: CHAMAELEONIDAE) IN NORTH-WESTERN SRI LANKA Submitted: 15 June 2009, Accepted: 05 July 2009
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