THRISSUR: Researchers have identified the "Agasthyagama Edge," a new species of chameleon measuring only 5.5 to 8 centimeters in length. Named the Northern Kangaroo Chameleon due to its unique behavior of standing upright on hind legs and moving like a kangaroo, this elusive creature had eluded human sight for centuries.

The discovery, detailed in Germany's Senckenberg Museum's 'Vertebrate Zoology,' adds a new member to the world's 12,000 reptiles. Unlike typical chameleons, the Kangaroo Chameleon dwells on the ground amid dried leaves, avoiding tree climbing. Its diet comprises small insects and when sensing danger, it adeptly conceals itself among leaves standing on two legs.

Distinguished by a central red and gold color in the midst of blue scales on the throat, the Kangaroo Chameleon's unique features set it apart visually. The study involved Malayalee researchers, Dr Sandeep Das, Dr KP Rajkumar, Dr Muhammad Jaffer Palode, Dr K. Subin, Dr V. Deepak, Suryanarayanan from Tamil Nadu and Saunakpal from Maharashtra. Collaborating entities included the Department of Zoology at the University of Calicut, Zoological Survey of India, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Bombay and London Natural History Societies, Senckenberg Museum Germany and Aranyakam Nature Foundation.

The journey to this discovery began in 2014-15 when the northern kangaroo chameleon was first sighted at a Kulama bus stand during a search for great bullfrog tailings. Initially thought to be a known species, further analysis confirmed its distinctiveness through a comparison with specimens from India and London.