There are aproximately 78 species of Chamaeleo with aproximately 50 subspecies. The species of Chamaeleo range from the African continent, Madagascar, Yemen, and even Europe.

Madagascar is justly famous for its chameleons. The island is home to two-thirds of all the world's chameleon species. There are approximately 54 species of chameleon in Madagascar. These range from the giant Chamaeleo oustaleti which may measure up to 68 cm (27 inches) long to the diminutive Brookesia minima which reaches only 3 cm (1.3 inches). Chameleon are Old World lizards that dwell in trees, except for the stump-tailed chameleon, Brookesia, which lives mainly on the forest floor. They are noted for their ability to change color in response to light, heat, and other stimuli