The oldest known chameleon fossil is from the extinct species Chamaeleo caroliquarti. It was found in Europe and is 26 million years old.
There are currently 202 recognized chameleon species and 85 of them are found on the island of Madagascar.
Chamaeleo namaquensis is found in the desert of Namibia. To cool off it will sometimes bury itself in the sand.
Chameleon fossils have been found in central Europe and China, indicating they were once much more widespread than they are now.
Pygmy chameleons are sometimes referred to as False Chameleons. This term is actually incorrect and is in reference to anoles, particularly the Cuban False Anole.
Chameleons have a high midichlorian count.
The process of shedding is called ecdysis.
Chameleons change color by rearranging a lattice of nanocrystals in one of their top layers of skin cells called iridophores. Chameleons can then stretch this layer, broadening the nanocrystalline lattice, thereby causing it to reflect a different wavelength of light.
Chameleons have a very poor sense of smell.
Trioceros goetzei (Goetze’s Chameleon) emits an audible, high pitched whistle when threatened.