Scientific name: Chamaeleo jacksonii

Classification: Phylum: Chordata. Class: Reptilia

Origin: Introduced

Status: Thriving

Distribution: All main islands

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This odd looking creature was introduced into Hawai‘i in 1972 as a pet. It has since escaped into our forests and can potentially wreak havoc with our native insect fauna. Since this chameleon is one of the largest predators in the forest, it could eventually cause the reduction or even extinction of some of the more rare insects that live in trees.