Хамелеон Джексона: Описание и особенности вида.

Species of lizard

Jackson's chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii), also known as Jackson's horned chameleon, three horned chameleon or Kikuyu three horned chameleon, is a species of chameleon (family Chamaeleonidae) native to East Africa, and introduced to Hawaii, Florida, and California.

Jackson's chameleon was described by Belgian British zoologist George Albert Boulenger in 1896.

The generic name, Trioceros, is derived from the Greek τρί (tri ) meaning "three" and κέρας (kéras) meaning "horns". This is in reference to the three horns found on the heads of males. The specific name, jacksonii, is a Latinized form of English explorer and ornithologist Frederick John Jackson's last name, who was serving as the first Governor of Kenya at the time. The English word chameleon (also chamaeleon) derives from Latin chamaeleō, a borrowing of the Ancient Greek χαμαιλέων (khamailéōn), a compound of χαμαί (khamaí) "low to the ground" and λέων (léōn) "lion". The Greek word is a calque translating the Akkadian nēš qaqqari, "ground lion".

Jackson's chameleons are native to woodlands and forests at altitudes of in south central Kenya and northern Tanzania. In these areas, the rainfall is seasonal but exceeds per year. Day temperatures are typically , and night temperatures are typically This subspecies has also been introduced to Florida. or instead have traces of the rostral horn (in the subspecies T. j. jacksonii and T. j. merumontanus). The coloring is usually bright green, with some individual animals having traces of blue and yellow, but like all chameleons, they change color quickly depending on mood, health, and temperature. Adult males reach a total length (including tail) of up to and females up to , but more typical lengths are .

Jackson's chameleons live primarily on a diet of small insects. They also prey on centipedes, isopods, millipedes, spiders, lizards, small birds, and snails in their native habitat. eight to thirty live young are born after a five to six month gestation. The subspecies T. j. merumontanus gives birth to five to ten live young.

In captivity, Jackson's chameleons require high humidity, and are in general very needy of colder temperatures during the night. Too much heat, or excessive humidity, can cause eye infections and upper respiratory infections in these animals. In captivity, the Jackson's chameleon can be expected to live between five and ten years.