Calumma gastrotaenia

Scientists at the American Museum of Natural History were funded by NASA to use satellite data and data from museum collections (documented locations of species) to test a computer model that  would  predict geographic locations of chameleons.  The study predicted the geographic distribution of 11 known chameleon species and also helped researchers to find  seven new species.

The chameleon prediction project was supported by NASA under award No. NAG5-8543 and by the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History. NASA also provided support for the RS/GIS Facility.

To learn more visit:

NASA NEWS
Scientists Use Satellites and Museum Collections to Locate Lizards in Madagascar
NASA Helps Forecast Reptile Distributions In Madagascar

NASA Earth Observatory
Uncovering Chameleons

Amercian Museum Of Natural History
AMNH Biologist and Colleagues Develop Computer Models That Accurately Predict Where Reptiles Species Live in Madagascar

Photo courtesy of Christopher Raxworthy