No lie. The long-nosed Pinocchio chameleon is multiple species.
For nearly 150 years, the Pinocchio chameleon, scientifically known as *Calumma gallus*, has been a subject of fascination for zoologists. Initially described in 1877, this unique reptile, often referred to as the lance-nosed or blade chameleon, was recognized for its distinctive elongated snout, which earned it the nickname inspired by the famous marionette. However, a recent study published in *Salamandra*, the German Journal of Herpetology, has revealed that what was once considered a single species is actually a complex of multiple species. This groundbreaking reexamination, utilizing advanced genetic techniques known as museomics, has uncovered significant taxonomic errors that have persisted for over a century.
The research team from the Bavarian State Collections of Natural Histories analyzed DNA sequences from historical specimens, with some dating back to 1836. Their findings confirmed that the variations in the nasal appendages of these chameleons were not mere anomalies but indicative of distinct species. The study identified *Calumma pinocchio* as a new species, while also recognizing another species, *Calumma hofreiteri*, and reclassifying some specimens previously attributed to *C. gallus* under the new nomenclature. The implications of this research are profound, showcasing the potential of modern genetic methods to clarify the identities of historically collected specimens, particularly within complex species groups. As study co-author Frank Glaw noted, “The genetic analyses are conclusive: the nose chameleons have virtually fooled previous research.”
Despite this exciting discovery, the conservation status of these chameleons remains concerning. Madagascar, home to over 40% of the world’s chameleon species, is witnessing a decline in many of its unique reptilian populations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes the Pinocchio chameleon as endangered, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts. The evolutionary adaptations of these chameleons, particularly in their nasal morphology, are believed to be driven by female mate selection preferences, further underscoring the complexity of their reproductive behaviors. As the total number of recognized chameleon species in Madagascar now stands at 100, the urgency to protect these remarkable reptiles and their habitats has never been greater.
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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