No lie. The long-nosed Pinocchio chameleon is multiple species.
For nearly 150 years, the Pinocchio chameleon (Calumma gallus) was regarded as a singular species, celebrated for its distinctive elongated snout that earned it the nickname of the famous marionette. However, a groundbreaking study published in *Salamandra*, the German Journal of Herpetology, has revealed that this unique reptile is not just one species but rather a complex of multiple species, each with its own variations in nasal morphology. This revelation stems from the application of advanced genetic techniques, particularly museomics, which allowed researchers from Germany’s Bavarian State Collections of Natural History to analyze DNA from historical specimens dating back to as early as 1836. The findings indicate that what was once thought to be a quirky physical trait among individual chameleons is actually a significant indicator of distinct species within this group.
The study has led to the reclassification of several chameleon species, with some previously identified as C. gallus now recognized as Calumma pinocchio. Additionally, a new species, Calumma hofreiteri, has been identified alongside another long-known species, Calumma nasutum. This taxonomic revision underscores the importance of utilizing modern genetic methods to clarify the identities of species that have long been misclassified. Co-author Frank Glaw noted that the morphological variations in the chameleons’ snouts may play a crucial role in mating preferences among females, suggesting that these adaptations have been driven by evolutionary pressures related to reproduction. Despite the excitement surrounding these discoveries, the situation remains dire for Madagascar’s chameleon populations, as the IUCN classifies the Pinocchio chameleon as endangered, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts in the region.
This research not only enhances our understanding of chameleon diversity but also exemplifies the potential of modern genetic techniques to unravel the complexities of species classification. Madagascar, home to over 40% of the world’s chameleon species, faces significant ecological challenges, and the recognition of these newly defined species could play a pivotal role in conservation strategies. As scientists continue to explore the rich biodiversity of this island, the importance of preserving these unique reptiles becomes increasingly clear, ensuring that the legacy of the Pinocchio chameleon—and its newfound relatives—endures 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
.
The post
No lie. The long-nosed Pinocchio chameleon is multiple species.
appeared first on
Popular Science
.
