Tiny Labord’s chameleons,
only 3cm long, begin
to hatch.
They live for only four months –
the shortest lifespan
of any land vertebrate.
For this young male,
it’s a race against time.
In the dry season, there is little food,
but his hatching is perfectly timed.
It’s the start
of the rainy season.
The parched landscape is transformed
into a flush of green.
Just what this growing chameleon needs.
As his eyes can move independently,
he can spot a meal in any direction.
And, by locking both eyes on to a target,
judge distance
with deadly accuracy.
With so much food on offer,
the male Labord’s chameleon can grow five times his size
in just two months, transforming into an adult male
with an eye-catching horn.
A female approaches,
but the male has a rival.
With such short lives,
there’s fierce competition for a chance to mate.
(Hissing)
