Tennent’s leaf-nosed lizard

Description

Tennent’s leaf-nosed lizard is one of five Ceratophora species endemic to Sri Lanka,commonly known as ‘horn-nosed lizards’ or ‘horned lizards’ for the elongated projections the males possess at the tip of their snout.Even the Latin name Ceratophora means ‘horn-bearer’,referring to this unusual ornamentation.The shape of the ‘horn’ differs with the species;Tennent’s leaf-nosed lizard is unique in having a characteristic flattened,leaf-like projection,as its common name suggests.Adults are reddish-brown to olive-green,and possess the remarkable ability to change their colour according to their surroundings,an effective means of camouflage that helps protect them from potential predators.Females are paler than males and have a somewhat shorter projection at the tip of their nose.