Chameleons or
chamaeleons (
family Chamaeleonidae) are a distinctive and highly specialized
clade of
old world lizards with 202 species described as of June 2015. These species come in a range of colours, and many species have the ability to change colours. Chameleons are distinguished by their
zygodactylous feet; their very long, highly modified, rapidly extrudable tongues; their swaying gait; and crests or horns on their distinctively shaped heads. Most species, the larger ones in particular, also have a
prehensile tail. Chameleons' eyes are independently mobile, but in aiming at a prey item, they focus forward in coordination, affording the animal
stereoscopic vision. Chameleons are adapted for climbing and visual hunting. They are found in warm habitats that range from
rain forest to
desert conditions, various species occurring in Africa,
Madagascar, southern Europe, and across southern Asia as far as
Sri Lanka. They also have been
introduced to
Hawaii,
California, and
Florida, and often are kept as household pets.