However, if the predator is unavoidable, most of the species will hiss and try to make themselves look as big as possible to try to intimidate the attacker. The Labord's Chameleon, located in Madagascar, has one of the shortest life spans among chameleons. So, running is typically not an option. The Cuckoo Hawk in Africa is so identified as a chameleon threat that a 2007 episode of "The Wonder Pets" involved a mission to save a chameleon from a Cuckoo Hawk. Reptile Pictures of Anoles, Chamelons, Geckos, Alligators, and Turtles. Lemurs have an excellent sense of smell and avoid areas where they detect the feces of predators. Like snakes, birds are also likely to take chameleon … Chameleons are just very cautious by nature, you can see it in their slow movements and their ability to hide. Chameleons hiss for various reasons but the most obvious one is to ward of predators. (2016, June 21). Université libre de Bruxelles. Adaptations that prey employ adds to the chances of survival for the species. Any bird will take a chameleon, but the main threats are shrikes, coucals and hornbills. How do chameleons protect themselves? Fast Living Labord’s Chameleon. Living for only one year, it spends seven to eight months inside an egg. The chameleon lizard adapts to its environment with the help of camouflage, this helps them keeps safe and keep away from predators. Although many common pet species, such as panther, Jackson's and veiled chameleons, live shorter lives in the wild, they often survive for about five to 10 years in captivity. Their prehensile tails also wrap around branches to … A plant’s main predators are the animals that feed on them. They also alternate sleeping sites to confuse predators and conceal themselves in thick vegetation, holes in trees or nests. The specific name, labordi, is in honor of French adventurer Jean Laborde. The shortest full-life of any vertebrate in the world is five months. Animals in every biome must eat to survive. To keep small predators at bay, many plants have a mat of fine hairs on the surface of their leaves. Chameleons will heavily rely on camouflage and staying completely still to avoid predators. Some species of lemur forage alone at night to make themselves more invisible and difficult to track. The Labord's chameleon (Furcifer labordi) is a species of chameleon that is native to Madagascar. How Do Chameleons Protect Themselves? However, other chameleons live much briefer lives. Like other Furcifer species (F. antimena, F. lateralis), F. labordi has an obligate year-long lifecycle. They’re unique among lizards because they have zygodactylous toes, meaning their feet can grip tree trunks and limbs. How Much Do You Know About Chameleons? If the color of a chameleon's environment changes when it moves from a light green tree to a dark green one, it changes the color of its skin accordingly, helping it to blend in and avoid detection by predators. ScienceDaily. According to the National Wildlife Federation, chameleons protect themselves by changing colors to blend in with their environment. Why do chameleons hiss? Chameleons move extremely slowly, so their best defense is their ability to camouflage themselves. The paddle-nosed Labord's chameleon (Furcifer labordi) is endemic to Madagascar and can be found in the southwest of the island. This species spends the majority of its lifetime (two thirds) within the egg. Chameleons will heavily rely on camouflage and staying completely still to avoid predators. Defense mechanisms are very important to all animal life. With predators being high on the food chain and always on the lookout for a meal, prey must constantly avoid being eaten. That distinction belongs to Furcifer Labordi also known as Labord’s chameleon. Chameleons spend most of their lives in bushes or trees, where they can hide from predators and wait for food. Some chameleons are sandy brown, to blend in with bark and twigs, while others -- living in leafy treetops -- are varying shades of green.