A chameleon's tail acts as a fifth limb that can support its entire body weight.

The prehensile tail of a chameleon is a specialized evolutionary adaptation found primarily in arboreal species like the Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and the Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis). Unlike many other lizards, such as geckos or skinks, chameleons cannot regrow their tails if they are lost. This is because the tail contains a complex arrangement of vertebrae and musculature designed for high-tensile strength and precision gripping.The tail functions through a series of specialized muscles that allow it to coil tightly around branches, effectively acting as a fifth hand. Research published in journals like the Journal of Morphology highlights how the caudal vertebrae in chameleons are shaped to allow for extreme flexibility while maintaining structural integrity. This allows the animal to distribute its weight evenly across thin or unstable branches in the high canopy.One of the most remarkable features of this limb is its ability to support 100% of the animal's body weight. This enables the chameleon to perform 'gap bridging' where it anchors itself with the tail and hind legs to reach distant foliage. When the tail is at rest, it typically forms a tight coil, a posture that protects the appendage from predators and prevents it from snagging on vegetation while the lizard moves.