Greenlandia In Focus - The Invisible Chameleon

Of all the flaura and fauna of the Nation of Greenlandia, one of the most mysterious and misunderstood is the infamous, but rarely seen, Invisible Chameleon (Chamaeleo imperceptiblus).


A normal chameleon



An invisible chameleon

Native to Greenlandia, the invisible chameleon has quickly spread to inhabit all corners of the world, with the exception of Belgium. This striking reptile has grown to be closely associated with the fledgling nation. This was formalised in early 2009 when the Invisible Chameleon was declared the national mascot of Greenlandia, and a stylised version of a male invisible chameleon in full courtship colours was added to the national flag.


Male invisible chameleon in striking courtship plumage

Invisible chameleons are one of Greenlandia's chief natural exports, creating the majority of the nations wealth. The reptiles require almost no farming, as they thrive all over the small country. Local peasants simply gather the chameleons on the third Tuesday of every month (so called "Tuber Tuesday", as the chameleons are driven into large tubes by the striking together of two potatoes. There is much celebrating amongst the locals, and in fact Tuber Tuesday has become quite the tourist attraction, on a par with the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona).

These tubes are then sent to the Greenlandia Invisible Chameleon sorting factory, where the young chameleons are removed and released back into their natural habitat, to await another Tuber Tuesday no doubt. Only the biggest and most colourful chameleons are deemed suitable to export to the burgeoning pet trade. Each chameleon is sat upon a branch of the Corona Tree, also native of Greenlandia, and sent on it's way with the faithful promise that if you see it you'll get your money back.


An invisible chameleon ready to be shipped out to eager pet owner

The invisible chameleon is very similar to its more visible relatives, and can be found lurking in trees, bushes, on couches and stuck to walls, waiting for it's next meal. The are omnivores, and as such can eat just about anything, put seem to particularly like eating pizza's between the hours of 2am and 5am when everyone else is in bed.


An invisible chameleon wrestles wildly with a small bird

Little is known of the chameleons reproductive behaviour. However it is believed that the young thrive on unwashed piles of clothing. Within hours of being laid the babies are thought to hatch and quickly disperse into the surrounding countryside.


A baby invisible chameleon. Note the undeveloped nose-horn.

This is a truly remarkable animal, and more research needs to be done to truly understand it's place in the Greenlandia ecosystem. The recent report of the dramatic increase in the number of Anatidae Groenlandis Alcoholide is worrying news for this gentle reptile, and only time will tell the impact it will have on this symbol of glorious Greenlandia.