Hello! How would you like to know about the newly discovered Brookesia nana, (also known as possibly the world’s smallest reptile)?
So, quite recently, a new reptilian species was discovered. Just a few days ago I got a notification on my phone about the “tiniest reptile” and just HAD to know what it was all about (it sounded like it was going to be pretty cute).
Suspected to soon be confirmed as an endangered species, the tiny “nano-chameleons” are found in northern Madagascar. The little creatures are described to be about the size of sunflower seeds that could comfortably sit on the tips of fingers and are suspected to be the smallest known reptiles in the world. How cool is that?!
They measure just under 30 millimeters, however, they vary in size. Females measure around 28.9 millimeters while males measure around 21.6 millimeters. They’re said to eat mites during the day, and grip on blades of grass (or other plants) for safety during the night.
Their more commonly used name is B. Nana which I think is really cute since it sounds like “banana” to me. They, along with 13 other small types of chameleons, are spread all over northern Madagascar. However, there is yet to be solid evidence and explanations for the animal’s small size/proportions.
Though they were just discovered, deforestation and habitat degradation are harmful to the future of the B. Nana chameleons, contributing to their possible extinction. But, confirmed by researchers, it’s said that the region they were found in is a designated area for their protection by the Malagasy government!
I know not everyone likes reptiles, as some are “squirmy” with them, and others just don’t fancy them as much as dogs or cats, but I think they can be cute! Especially when they’re really tiny. Reading about these little creatures honestly brightened my day a little bit, so, though their existence has absolutely no effect on my life, I’m glad I learned about them :) You never know what you’re going to learn about next!
So, what are your thoughts on the B. Nana chameleons? Until next time!
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/new-tiny-chameleon-species-may-be-world-smallest-reptile
30 millimeters is way smaller than I expected! That's so interesting though, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around how small they are. I wonder how the first person discovered their existence - I feel like they could be easily dismissed as bugs or something.
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