No lie. The long-nosed Pinocchio chameleon is multiple species.
For nearly 150 years, the Pinocchio chameleon (Calumma gallus) has been regarded as a single species, but groundbreaking research published in the journal *Salamandra* reveals that this unique reptile actually comprises multiple distinct species, each sporting elongated snouts that have earned them their whimsical nickname. This revelation comes from a comprehensive reexamination of the chameleon’s genetic makeup, utilizing a technique known as museomics, which involves analyzing DNA from historical specimens. The study, conducted by a team from Germany’s Bavarian State Collections of Natural History, uncovered that what was once thought to be variations within a single species were, in fact, separate species, leading to the reclassification of some lizards previously identified as C. gallus to the newly recognized Calumma pinocchio and another species named Calumma hofreiteri.
Madagascar, the island home to over 40% of the world’s chameleon species, is known for its biodiversity and unique wildlife. Among these reptiles, the Pinocchio chameleon stands out not only for its unusual nose but also for its remarkable adaptations, including a ballistic tongue for capturing prey, the ability to change color, and independently moving eyes that provide stereoscopic vision. The male Pinocchio chameleon’s distinctive nasal appendage has long intrigued researchers; however, the study led by Frank Glaw revealed that the size and shape of these appendages vary significantly among individuals, a fact previously dismissed as mere physical quirks. The genetic analysis confirmed that these differences are indicative of separate species, highlighting the complexity of chameleon diversity in Madagascar.
While the taxonomic confusion has been clarified, the plight of these fascinating creatures remains concerning. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Pinocchio chameleon as endangered, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitats. The study not only sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics of the chameleon but also showcases the potential of modern genetic methods to resolve long-standing taxonomic ambiguities in the animal kingdom. As researchers continue to explore the rich biodiversity of Madagascar, this discovery serves as a reminder of the intricate relationships between species and their environments, and the importance of preserving these unique ecosystems for future generations.
For nearly 150 years, zoologists have taken the Pinocchio
chameleon
(
Caluma gallus
) at face value.. However, a recent reexamination detailed in
Salamandra, the German Journal of Herpetology
reveals that the chameleon is actually multiple species with elongated snouts worthy of the nickname.
Over 40 percent of the 236 known chameleon species around the world live on the island of
Madagascar
located off the East African coast. The reptiles are often recognizable for a variety of reasons, including their
ballistic tongue
they use to slurp up prey, their color changing abilities , and their independently mobile eyes that give them stereoscopic vision. But the male Pinocchio chameleon specifically possesses yet another striking trait: a bumpy and very lengthy nose.
Males of the new chameleon species Calumma pinocchio have a smooth-edged nasal appendage. Credit: Frank Glaw (ZSM/SNSB)
First described in 1877 and also known as the
lance-nosed or blade chameleon
,
C. gallus
was named after the Latin word for rooster. While an understandable comparison, the lizard eventually became more commonly known for its resemblance to the famous, fib-prone Italian marionette.
For decades, researchers knew that the shape and size of the Pinocchio chameleon’s nasal appendage fluctuated animal-to-animal, but believed that it was simply a unique physical quirk. Using a technique known as museomics, a team at Germany’s Bavarian State Collections of Natural Histories obtained and studied DNA sequences collected from the museum’s old specimens. One of these precious samples dated as far back as 1836. Only after traveling back through time via DNA did they realize the taxonomic error stretching back nearly a century-and-a-half.
“The genetic analyses are conclusive: the nose chameleons have virtually fooled previous research,” study coauthor Frank Glaw
said in a statement
.
Glaw explained that the team’s study also confirmed each chameleon’s nose can quickly change in terms of color, shape, and length.
“Their evolution is possibly driven by the respective preferences of females in mate selection,” he added.
Adult male of
Calumma nasutum
. This species is known since almost 190 years, but its true identity was uncovered only now by the application of modern genetic methods. Credit: Miguel Vences (TU Braunschweig)
As it stands today, some lizards previously considered to be
C. gallus
are now reclassified as
Calumma pinocchio
. Additionally, a second new species called
Calumma hofreiteri
has been established apart from another chameleon,
Calumma nasutum
.
“The study shows the great potential of the new museomics methods to correctly identify historically collected specimens especially in species complexes,” added Miguel Vences, study coauthor and zoologist at the Technical University of Braunschweig.
Although Madagascar’s total number of known chameleons now tops out at exactly 100 separate species, many of their actual populations continue to dwindle. Regardless of its taxonomy, the IUCN says the Pinocchio chameleon
remains endangered
.
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No lie. The long-nosed Pinocchio chameleon is multiple species.
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