DISCOVERY OF THE INDIAN CHAMAELEON (Chamaeleo zeylanicus Laurenti) IN THE ARAVALLI FOOTHILLS OF RAJASTHAN (INDIA)

摘要

In July 2004, the author took part in a survey of the Aravalli foothills in the Desuri area (Pali District) for observations on reptiles. The rains were still awaited and drought conditions were prevailing in the completely hilly terrain. Drizzling rain in certain areas brought the temperature down slightly in the Desuri valley. The team was surprised to sight a lizard clinging to the twigs of a forest bush. The lizard was later identified as an Indian chamaeleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus Laurenti), and this constituted the first record of this endangered species from the Aravalli region of Rajasthan.