Shortest living four-legged animal: 01-07-2008
Researchers in the US have awarded a species of chameleon the unfortunate honour of being the shortest living four-legged animal in the world.
The Labord's chameleon is only found in Madagascar and spends most of its life incubating inside its shell before a four to five month stretch in the outside world.
Its rapid growth - males can quadruple in size within two months - may have something to do with its short lifespan.
Oklahoma Sate University researcher Kristopher B. Karsten said that although the chameleon is fascinating, its short lifespan could put the species in danger.
"We've identified a species that does something really different from the others, but what is driving this system?" he said.
"One bad year could wipe out these chameleons."
The findings, including observations of nearly 400 chameleons made over five seasons, are published in the July 1st issue of
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.