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Meet the three-horned chameleon of Uganda

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May 27, 2026

They look like moody dinosaurs and hunt with lightning-fast tongues. In Uganda, one conservationist protects them while inspiring children and supporting local livelihoods.

In rural southwest Uganda, conservationist Moses Tindiwegi is showing how even a small piece of land can protect biodiversity. On just half an acre, he has created a sanctuary for Jackson’s chameleons and other species increasingly displaced by farming. These reptiles play a key ecological role by controlling insect populations, supporting local agriculture. By planting native shrubs and educating young people, Tindiwegi is restoring the chameleons' habitatwhile building community awareness. Supported by Uganda’s conservation policies, this grassroots model links wildlife protection with livelihoods, tourism, and long-term ecosystem health—demonstrating how local action can help safeguard biodiversity.

Hillary Ayesiga Hillary Ayesiga is a freelance reporter for DW's ECO AFRICA, based in Uganda.
Lukas Lottersberger Multimedia journalist, reporter and producer, covering global news and environmental innovations.
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