Discussed chameleons using book 'Mountain Dragons' and how different species or variations of species occur on mountains separated by valley (temp) barriers. This prompted a discussion of false 'chameleons', the ANOLES, that occur locally. Reviewed native Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) vs invasive Brown or Bahama Anole (Anolis sagrei) vs Cuban Anoles, another non-native. Green anoles are being outcompeted by non-native brown anoles, but are hanging on in Florida thanks to their preference for shade whereas brown anoles prefer sunnier habitat.

Discussed possibility of setting up a true Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) on campus, Judie is considering request for Ben and I to set up a habitat at Batt with real plants and a waterfall, similar to how I set up tanks at the AMNH in NYC, Baltimore Zoo, and on my own... the chameleon would come and go with me, since individual students aren't allowed to keep pets on site.

Would parent like to schedule a day in January or February to visit Palm Beach Zoo with Ben and Dr. Val? We could meet Emily who breeds crested geckos, and with advance planning via Ms. Emily, we should be invited to see reptiles behind the scenes, maybe some feedings, photo opps etc.
In February, I (Dr. Clark) would also like to schedule a field day to explore scrub forests.

Ben is a highly engaged learner who I think would do well (with a parent) in Madagascar, so it would be good to have a few field trips together before I head to Madagascar in early July.