The Mediterranean Chameleon – A Chance Encounter

While out walking with my dogs, we came across with one of Cyprus’ most extraordinary residents, the Mediterranean Chameleon. My dogs politely investigated the tiny stranger, while the chameleon seemed completely unimpressed.

Although the Mediterranean Chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) lives across much of Cyprus, spotting one is far from common. It spends most of its life hidden among shrubs and low trees, making encounters like this a real treat.

The little reptile stood almost perfectly still, moving only its eyes as they scanned the surroundings.
When it finally decided to move on, every step seemed to happen in slow motion—quite literally, one step at a time.

Curiosity was definitely mutual. Felicia leaned in for a closer look,
while the little reptile calmly continued on its way, showing no sign of being in a hurry.

Moments like this are one of the reasons I never leave home without my camera.
Out in the Cypriot countryside, you never quite know who—or what—you might meet around the next bend.

For Pepper’s One Step at a Time #17

29 responses to “The Mediterranean Chameleon – A Chance Encounter”

  1. Jag Avatar

    Vilket underbart möte! Den ser blasé och nästan föraktfull ut på vissa bilder men förmodligen är den försiktigt avvaktande. Fantastiskt fina bilder, på denna sköna varelse!

    1. Anita Avatar

      Den var mycket speciell den där gröna lilla varelsen.Man kan inte bli annat än glad när man ges tillfälle att möta dem. Jag var lite orolig att hundarna skulle störa den men de bara tittade på lite nyfiket. Ibland jagar de ödlor men de är som tur är väldigt snabba vilket man inte kan säga om den här. Stort tack för din kommentar.

  2. Pepper Avatar

    Oh, my goodness! Those are such amazing captures that I scrolled through them several times, Anita. The chameleon was on his own adventure one step at a time. 😁

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thank you so much for your kind comment, Pepper. Chameleons are truly special, and I was lucky to spot this one.

  3. bushboy Avatar

    A wonderful encounter. I could watch them for ages with their slow motion walking and rotating eyes. Great photos Anita 😀

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thank you, Brian. They really are fascinating to watch, that slow, deliberate walk and those incredible rotating eyes. 👀☺️ I’m glad you enjoyed the photos.

  4. Mr. Ohh's Sideways View Avatar

    He’s beautiful. Great pictures. 🤣😎🙃

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thank you, Mr. Ohh! He really was a handsome little fellow 🦎😁

  5. gsilvosatrekpix Avatar

    We have never seen a chameleon. It must look really interesting considering all the things that we have read about it.

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thank you, Della. They’re fascinating creatures, even more intriguing in real life than in all the things we read about them.

  6. Peter Grey Avatar

    Wonderful pictures, Anita. The chameleon on its way to the supermarket. (forgot one item, darn, can I get it tomorrow? Nope, I need it today…). His expression a bit annoyed, no time for social interaction, not even with that friendly dog. Next time buddy!

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thank you, Peter! He really did look like he was on a mission. I love your supermarket story — he absolutely had that ‘don’t bother me, I’m busy’ expression.😁

  7. Kristallina Avatar

    Vilket fantastiskt tillfälle du fick. Trots hundarna. Helt otroligt att den ändå lugnt fortsatte att gå. Vilken härlig syn och underbart att kunna se den så nära och tydligt. 🤩

    1. Anita Avatar

      Tack så jättemycket för din kommentar Kristallina. Det var ett oväntat och värdefullt möte 🤗

  8. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar

    How fabulous! Great photos Anita. (I’m pleased the dogs left it alone!)
    And, yes, the first rule of photography… Don’t forget your camera!
    The 2nd and 3rd rules are to make sure you have a charged (and spare) battery and a memory chip inside!

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thank you, Mike! Yes, I’m very glad the dogs behaved. I was a bit worried at first. 😳🐕 And yes — camera, battery, memory card… the eternal checklist we all learn the hard way. 📷😁

  9. Egídio Avatar

    Absolute gorgeous! What a great gallery! I was surprised it was not afraid of Felicia. The details are precise in your photos. It’s interesting to note the way the toes are arranged for better grasping.

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thanks for your kind words, Egídio! Felicia, or my other dog, Sally, didn’t scare him at all, which was a relief. And those toes… such clever little tools for climbing!

  10. aura Avatar

    I wonder how it sees the world through those strange eyes? It looks like an alien. 🦎

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thank you for your comment, Aura! Their eyes are fascinating, aren’t they? No wonder they look a bit otherworldly.😁

  11. heavenlyraindrops Avatar

    C-reepy! My Maltese would’ve never gotten that close! Nice photos.

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thank you kindly for your comment, Sue! Felicia was braver than expected, I’m glad she didn’t spook him.

  12. Frank Hubeny Avatar

    Beautiful chameleon!

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thank you so much for visiting my site, Frank! The chameleon was such a beautiful little creature to photograph.

  13. Cath Moore Avatar

    that is such a chill chameleon! I have come across one or maybe two when I lived in Africa…I remember being freaked out when it suddenly turned pitch black all over!

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thanks for your comment, Cath! He really was a relaxed little fellow. I would have been freaked out too if mine had suddenly gone completely black — what a surprise.

  14. Suzanne et Pierre Avatar

    Lovely encounter. The chameleon is gorgeous and your pics are lovely. (Suzanne)

    1. Anita Avatar

      Thanks, Susanne. He really was a gorgeous little character. Happy you liked the images.

  15. […] green trees.Cath’s gallery from a winter walk at Allum Cliffs is fantastic.Many amazing steps taken by a chameleon were captured by Anita.Gorgeous patriotic flowers were photographed by Egidio.Sue featured amazing […]

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