Scientists Discover World's Smallest Known Reptile Which They Named The 'Nano-Chameleon'

Madagascar island is known for its unusual wildlife, including a newcomer to the scene: the Brookesia nana. This unusual reptile, also known as the nano-chameleon, can fit on the tip of a human finger and they are the smallest known reptile in existence. As of this time, they have only found two nano-chameleons, but interestingly, one is a male and one is a female. They are able to analyze the difference between the sexes and there are some differences to be found.

A study was published in Scientific Reports. The first author of the study, Frank Glaw, had the following to say: "At a body length of just 13.5mm and a total length of just 22mm including the tail, the male Nano-Chameleon is the smallest known male of all higher vertebrates." This new chameleon does have a close relative, the Brookesia micra, although it is only half the size of that lizard that lives in the same mountains. It really goes to show just how miniature these chameleons are, according to Jörn Köhler, co-author of the study.