In Uganda chameleons are common and wide spread but not easily seen unless when they are actively searched for. These species are also known as Jackson’s chameleon this name was named after Federick John Jackson who was an ornithologist.
The three horned chameleons that are popularly located in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Elsewhere these chameleons are commonly seen in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park.
The Bwindi Forest is situated in districts of Rubirizi, Rukungiri, and Kamwenge along the Congolese border to the north of Kasese and the Mgahinga National Park lies in the south western part of Uganda in Kisoro district bordering with Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
The three horned Chameleon mainly habit in these hidden gems because of their higher altitude that raises above 3000 meters above the sea level.
The common facts about the Three Horned Chameleons
Just like any other chameleon the three horned chameleon change colour according to the environment they are in for example they turn brown when walking on the ground and turn green when on vegetation species.
This ability enables them to hide away from their predators especially the bird’s snake’s mammals among others.
Also, these chameleons change colors to easily hunt down their prey like insects namely spider, grasshopper, bugs, butterflies also this characteristic enable them to communicate among themselves.
Three horned chameleons have sticky- tipped tongue which is typically about the same length as its body, the tongue also has muscles on its tip that makes it easy for them to trap prey while searching for food.
Both a male and a female three horned chameleons possess three horn-like protrusion on its head only that the male one owns large horns.
The life span of a three horned chameleon is almost five to ten years a male grown up chameleon can reach a length of almost thirty centimeters the female one average about twenty-five centimeters.
These species comprise of protuberant round eyes which offer a potential 360 degrees vision on both side and are able to swivel around independently of each other.
Three horned chameleon their main source of food are insects including butterflies, spiders, bug, grasshoppers, crickets along with other small invertebrates.
Sighting the three horned Chameleons
These species are easily seen by tourists during the forest guided nature walks this activity is more productive when conducted with the aid of a well-trained tour guide often carried out in the morning hours and afternoon each walk takes between three to four hours.
On a luck day tourists have chances of spotting at almost seven types of chameleons including montane side striped chameleon, strange horned chameleon, Elliots grove -throated chameleons, carpenter’s chameleon, Johnston three horned chameleon, boulengers pygmy chameleon.
Also, during this ultimate experience guests are luckily granted with the chance to spot at numerous flora species, bird species, primate species, butterflies’ species hence connecting with nature.
The Best time to see three horned Chameleons
Tourists can see these creatures in their haven throughout the entire year however the best time is generally during the dry season of the year that happen in months of June to August and from December to February.
This period is associated with less rainfall received hence an ideal spot for the outdoor activities like guided nature walks, bird watching among others.
In conclusion
These three horned chameleons are ranked as arguably the most intriguing of African reptiles sighting at them it feels so magical within the wilderness of Uganda.