The chameleon, emblem of Axarquia in Andalucia
In this article you will find the essential information about the chameleon in Andalucia, Spain :
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- A few words about the chameleon
- Where do chameleons live in Spain?
- Where are there chameleons in Andalucia?
- Where can you find a chameleon?
- What to do if you come across a chameleon?
- Some useful links
- Experiences to discover in the province of Malaga
A few words about the chameleon
The common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) is a species of iguana lizard of the family Chamaeleonidae and the only representative of its family in Europe.
Where do chameleons live in Spain?
The chameleon is a rare species in Europe. It can be seen in Sicily, the Algarve and Andalucia.
It is also possible to find a few specimens in the community of Murcia, but it is in Andalucia that we will find almost all the chameleon population living in Spain.
Where do chameleons live in Andalucia?
Most of the chameleon population living in Spain is concentrated in a very small area in Andalucia.
Indeed, 85% of the chameleon population lives in Axarquia, in the province of Malaga.
Where can you find a chameleon?
In Axarquia, you can find a chameleon, even though it is quite rare, both on the coast like in Torrox and in the mountains like in Canillas de Aceituno.
The Junta de Andalucia initiated a conservation and protection programme for the chameleon some years ago.
What to do if you see a chameleon?
If you come across a chameleon, the best thing to do is to stop and simply observe it.
Do not disturb them, and of course do not take them. These animals are protected and the Guardia Civil is responsible for their protection. It has even set a fine of several thousand euros for any chameleon theft!
To protect them, especially in summer, you have to be vigilant on the road, it is not uncommon to come across them in the hottest hours. And this animal, like the hedgehog, is “camouflaged”, it does not flee. So be careful not to run over them.
Nota Bene : on the first 2 photos, we see a chameleon on my hand, I specify that I did not take the chameleon in its natural element. I took 2 photos after having “taken it out” of the road to protect it.
Below, a chameleon in Andalucia about to cross a road in Torrox Costa:
Here is a last video of the chameleon I took out of the road, I put it back in an avocado tree which was next to it.
Some useful links
Here is a link for those who want to observe wildlife in Andalusia : observation of flora and fauna such as birds, lynx, whales and dolphins in Andalusia.
If you are in Andalucia as part of a tour with several major cities to visit, here are some links that may be of interest:
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- Discover must-sees before visiting Cordoba
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- Visit Malaga on foot.
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- All you need to know about Granada, the Alhambra, the Albaicin neighbourhood before visiting Granada
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- If you are passing through the geographical centre of Andalusia, then you can visit Antequera, with the incredible natural site of El Torcal right next door
Experiences to discover in the province of Málaga
First video, credit, under main title : Nove Nyberg
Find more ideas for visits to authentic Andalusia: see the blog pages on Andalucia.
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