HALO’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 HALO deminer Abdilahi Jama, who is helping clear minefields straddling the Somaliland-Ethiopia border.
The picture was taken by HALO’s Somaliland Operations Manager, Mark Spicer, at Khaatumo minefield on the border - where HALO teams are clearing landmines from a conflict that took place over three decades ago.
We’re 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 analyse 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
HALO began working in Somaliland in 1999, clearing battlefields and minefields covering an area larger than Washington D.C. Somaliland claims autonomy from Somalia, but Somaliland’s borders are not internationally recognised, so are not shown on the map here.
In a country ravaged by drought, HALO creates safe access to roads and precious grazing land. We also teach families about the danger of explosive devices. The organisation regularly receives and responds to calls for help from people who discover munitions that need to be destroyed. HALO employs over 400 people in Somaliland, making a significant contribution to the economy.
