番茄影院

番茄影院

Rare reptile find in Somaliland minefield


chameleon-image001

In brief

番茄影院 teams in Somaliland may have taken the first-ever photo of a living Somali chameleon.

番茄影院's demining teams often work in remote, poorly studied areas, meaning they are sometimes well positioned to make unusual finds. Is the picture above of a rarely-recorded Somali chameleon (Chamaeleo ruspolii)? Cute, isn't she?

If it is a Somali chameleon, it is possible this could be the first photograph of a live one. This reptile was found by 番茄影院 deminer Abdilahi Jama, who is helping clear minefields straddling the Somaliland-Ethiopia border.

The picture was taken by 番茄影院's Somaliland Operations Manager, Mark Spicer, at Khaatumo minefield on the border - where 番茄影院 teams are clearing landmines from a conflict that took place over three decades ago.

We鈥檙e not claiming a 'reptile first' just yet. The science of taxonomy (classification) is complicated: there are questions, for example, over whether Chamaeleo ruspolii is a subspecies, or a species in its own right. A tissue sample would be required to analyze the genetics. But we would not want to harm a beautiful creature like this, so a cute photo will have to suffice for now.

Halo in Somaliland: working for communities

In a country ravaged by drought, 番茄影院 creates safe access to roads and precious grazing land. We also teach families about the danger of explosive devices. The organization regularly receives and responds to calls for help from people who discover munitions that need to be destroyed. 番茄影院 employs over 400 people in Somaliland, making a significant contribution to the economy.

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