The newest chameleon discovered has been named the Tarzan chameleon, Calumma tarzan. It was found in central and eastern Madagascar.

Philip-Sebastian Gehring, the lead author of an article describing the new animal, and other German scientists who discovered the new species of chameleon, hope to draw attention to destruction of essential habitat in that country by naming the species after Tarzan, the fictional jungle superhero.

Gehring said, “The Tarzan chamaeleon is going to use his celebrity name to promote protection for this last patch of forest.”

The new chameleon is discussed in the most recent issue of Salamandra Journal as “a Tarzan yell for for conservation.” The scientists propose that it be used as a mascot species for the creation of new nature reserves in Madagascar.

Male Calumma tarzan with relaxed (top) and stress coloration (bottom).

Female Calumma tarzan with relaxed (top) and stress coloration (two forms-bottom).

Photo credits, Gehring, et al., via Mongabay.