Chameleon, Ruwenzori Moutains, Congo (Democratic Republic)

The Albertine Rift, a series of high mountain chains that separates the Guineo-Congolian rainforest of Central Africa from the forest-savanna mosaic habitats of East Africa, is an area of exceptional faunal endemism. While the region is not as rich in plant species as others elsewhere on the continent, the Albertine Rift is the most species-rich region for vertebrates in Africa (Brooks et al. 2001). Of the reptiles, the chameleons are the best flagship species. Five species are endemic to the Albertine Rift, including the Rwenzori three-horned chameleon (Chamaeleo johnstoni), which reaches a length of 30 cm and is found in many of the montane forests of the Albertine Rift. The three horns on its head make it look like a miniature Triceratops, and are used by males to fight over females. The strange-horned chameleon (Bradypodion xenorhinus) is similar in size, but has a circular protuberence on the end of its nose. This species is confined to the Rwenzori Mountains, where it is very rare, having been overcollected for the wildlife trade. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Group W (Westinghouse Broadcasting Company) and traveled to Africa from October 26, 1970 to end of March 1971.