Humans believe that I change my skin to different colors just for the fun of it. They think the moment I find myself in the range of a beautiful and striking color, I excitedly pick it up. However, that is far from the truth. My skin changing ability is not for fashion, rather it’s for survival.
The moment I sense danger, then I have no other means of escape than to blend in with the environment. I a widely sought after by predators, what chance of survival do I have in the face of one? I can’t run, I can fly, I can’t fight back. The only defense mechanism I have is my camouflage.
The other day, it felt like I disappeared from the sight of Mr Viper in the green leaves.
Apart from predators in the wild, there have been some instances in which I’ve been saved by my camouflage. I had to cross over to the other side of the road. The road was full of dried leaves. If I just changed colors at will anytime I like, I would have taken the brown color of dried leaves. But if I had done so, this would have been a different story entirely.
Like I said earlier, I don’t have speed. I can’t run to save my life. I took the time to study the road and it’s environs to make sure there is no danger in sight.
Seeing none, I started my majestic walk across the road. But it was not a calculated one. There, was the sound of a car, getting closer with every step I took. I was in the middle of the road already, I could not go back and I could not go faster. The chances I won’t be tired was very slim. Wait, it’s not slim. It’s nonexistent, because the front left tire was moving directly at me. What a way to die.
Or not.
There was a swift sideways movement of the car. Well I was not tired. When I made it to the other side, I reflected on what happened. How did the driver notice me to swerve so quickly?
I didn’t blend with the brown leaves! I maintained my light green color, and so I was able to live another day.
My ability to change colors to match my surroundings is not for fun nor for beauty.
It’s for survival. If I can’t ward off predators and can’t run, at least I can disappear from their sight? (If I am lucky enough).
Check out my previous work: The world through the eyes of the Agama
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Chameleon one of my favourites we used to see in the garden, not in many years now. So right they only have one way to defend themselves which is stunning to witness!
@tipu curate
Indeed it is. Thanks for the support.
Always a pleasure.
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