No lie. The long-nosed Pinocchio chameleon is multiple species.
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Salamandra*, researchers have revealed that the Pinocchio chameleon, known scientifically as *Calumma gallus*, is not a single species but rather a complex of multiple distinct species. This revelation comes after nearly 150 years of zoological consensus, during which the chameleon was primarily recognized for its unique elongated snout, reminiscent of the beloved puppet character Pinocchio. The research, conducted by a team at Germany’s Bavarian State Collections of Natural Histories, utilized a technique called museomics, which involves extracting and analyzing DNA from historical specimens. This innovative approach led to the discovery that what was once considered a singular species is actually a diverse group, including newly identified species like *Calumma pinocchio* and *Calumma hofreiteri*.
The Pinocchio chameleon, along with its relatives, is endemic to Madagascar, which is home to over 40% of the world’s chameleon species. These reptiles are celebrated for their remarkable adaptations, such as their ballistic tongues, color-changing abilities, and independently moving eyes. The male Pinocchio chameleons are particularly notable for their striking nasal appendages, which vary significantly in size and shape among individuals. The recent genetic analyses, some of which date back as far as 1836, have shown that these variations were not mere anomalies but indicative of separate species. Co-author Frank Glaw emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that the genetic evidence has “virtually fooled previous research,” highlighting the need for modern techniques in taxonomic classification.
Despite the exciting advancements in understanding these chameleons, the news is bittersweet as the IUCN lists the Pinocchio chameleon as endangered. The study underscores the ongoing threats to Madagascar’s biodiversity, where many species face declining populations due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures. The reclassification of the Pinocchio chameleon not only enriches our understanding of chameleon diversity but also emphasizes the critical need for conservation efforts to protect these unique reptiles and their habitats. As researchers continue to apply modern genetic methods to historical specimens, there is hope for uncovering further insights into the rich biodiversity of Madagascar and ensuring the survival of its remarkable wildlife.
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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