Squamata (lizard family) appeared around 195 million years ago in the Triassic Click for more Dino InfoPeriod, Chameleonidae Family appeared nearly 100 million year ago during the Cretaceous Period. Fossil remains have been found in Bavaria. Some experts consider Mimeosaurous (from Mongolia in the upper Cretaceous Period) to be related to true chameleons.

The oldest proven ancestor from  fossil is the Chamaeleo caroliquarti from approximately 26 million years ago. Fossils have been found in a much wider range than chameleons inhabit today. 

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Distribution of Chameleons

 

Distributions Main Page to access maps detailing climate, topography, history, and native chameleon species found there

DETAILED DATA MAPS to see distribution by country, vegetation, rainfall and temperature maps

CITES Export Quotas for Chameleons

Links to more maps displaying weather and geopolitical data about African counties


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