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Eyed up

On the slopes of the Kitulo Plateau, a line of protea sugar bushes marks the transition between meadow and forest. Their blooms produce a feast of pollen and nectar, but for the monkey beetles that attempt to feed on them it’s a dangerous prize! Tempell’s chameleons are insect hunters peculiar to this corner of Tanzania, and once they've taken up position to lie in wait for the beetles, they hardly need to move to get their prey. They achieve deadly accuracy as they have the unique ability among reptiles to swivel their eyes independently. When they line them up, the stereo image allows them to launch their sticky tongues exactly the right distance to nail their victim every time.

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