"Scientists have discovered four new species of super-tiny chameleons in Madagascar, according to a new paper in PLoS ONE. The smallest of the new species, Brookesia micra, is found only on the small island of Nosy Hara and has been dubbed the smallest chameleon in the world, measuring from nose to tail 29 millimeters (1.14 inches) at its largest. Scientists believe it represents a notable example of island dwarfism. "The extremely small size of Brookesia micra could represent a 'double' island dwarf effect. In this scenario, Madagascar as a large island led to the evolution of the Brookesia minima group whereas the [...] islet Nosy Hara, might have favored the extreme miniaturization found in Brookesia micra," the researchers write. However they note it is also possible, given the shallowness of the sea between Nosy Hara and Madagascar, that populations of Brookesia micra survive on the mother island. With these four new species, scientists have catalogued 26 Brookesia chameleons in all. These chameleons, which are endemic to Madagascar, inhabit the leaf litter during the day, but move up into the trees at night to sleep, a time when it becomes relatively easier for scientists to find them. On catching individuals, researchers used genetic analysis to determine species. The analysis revealed that many of these species are separated by millions of years, representing an ancient lineage of reptiles." - John (bird whisperer) from Bookmarklet

They're so cute! - Anika

very sweet :) - ...Virüs...

the details on them are amazing! they're just miniaturized! - RudĩϐЯaЯïan

The little guy does not look amused. - Brian Johns

David loves chameleons. He said 'aaaaaaaaaaaw' - Pete #TeamMonique

Awesome. :) - Kelli H. from Android

Finally! An insect/animal shot I don't have to hide. So keyute. - Lnorigb from FFHound!

I post other pictures that you don't need to hide. :-P - John (bird whisperer)

@John (bird whisperer): you def do. Just I'm remarking cos OMG YOU GUISE IT'S SO KEYUTE! Vs my normal OMG YOU GUISE THE INTERNET IS SO GROSS! *HIDE* - Lnorigb from FFHound!

I'm so about these. - Adrian

I almost can't believe they're real because OMG SQUEEEEEEEEEE - Starmama from FFHound(roid)!

total squeeeeeeeee! - holly #ravingfangirl

Mini Rango - Rodfather

I think it has a tiny grumpy. :-) - John (bird whisperer)

The article is open access, [the article, not you] should have pointed people to http://www.plosone.org/article... - Joe Boone