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High altitude reptiles

The side-striped chameleon, found far above the altitude where reptiles normally survive, is uniquely adapted to cold, mountain life. As dawn breaks the chameleon works its way along a branch to position its body at right angles to the rising sun. It then floods its skin with dark pigmentation, to soak up the suns rays like a solar panel. It takes only minutes to raise its temperature by 30 degrees Celcius and once warmed it changes to its normal bright green daytime colour. The male is fiercely territorial and if another male strays into his territory, there's bound to be a fight. The males hiss at each other and grapple until a sneaky bite clinches the deal and the loser slinks off to nurse his bruises.

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2 minutes

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