EN

Spiny-sided Chameleon

Trioceros laterispinis

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Trioceros laterispinis faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural expansion within its limited montane forest range in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, while collection for the international pet trade has placed additional pressure on remaining populations. Climate change poses an emerging threat as rising temperatures may force this cool-adapted chameleon to higher elevations where suitable habitat becomes increasingly scarce.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits montane forests and forest edges in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, typically at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. It requires dense canopy cover and prefers areas with high humidity and moderate temperatures characteristic of cloud forest environments.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in CHAMAELEONIDAE

VU

Petter's Chameleon

Furcifer petteri

Declining
EN

Pondo Dwarf Chameleon

Bradypodion caffrum

Declining
EN

Perret's Montane Chameleon

Trioceros perreti

Declining
VU

Mount Chiperone Pygmy Chameleon

Rhampholeon nebulauctor

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Spiny-sided Chameleon classified as Endangered?
Spiny-sided Chameleon is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Trioceros laterispinis faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural expansion within its limited montane forest range in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, while collection for the international pet trade has placed additional pressure on remaining populations. Climate change poses an emerging threat as rising temperatures may force this cool-adapted chameleon to higher elevations where suitable habitat becomes increasingly scarce.
Where does Spiny-sided Chameleon live?
Spiny-sided Chameleon occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Spiny-sided Chameleon?
The main threats to Spiny-sided Chameleon are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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