Data for: First evidence of yearly allochrony in a terrestrial vertebrate: A case study of an annual chameleon

Isolation through differences in reproductive timing, known as allochrony,
is a unique life history trait that can lead to the separation of a
population into two distinct populations. Yearly allochrony, where
reproductive events are separated between years, is extremely rare and has
been documented less than ten times. It requires a single reproductive
event at a fixed age and a life cycle of two years or more. Among
terrestrial vertebrates, documented examples of yearly allochrony are
non-existent. Our study reveals that Chamaeleo chamaeleon musae possesses
the potential for allochronic separation. These chameleons reproduce one
year after hatching, with only 0.2% of the population surviving to a
second reproductive season. Their eggs require 11 months to hatch. This
combination of factors results in two distinct subpopulations: one that
incubates eggs during even years while adults reproduce in odd years, and
another that follows the reverse pattern. This separation prevents
intermixing between the two subpopulations. Chamaeleo chamaeleon
musae is currently the only known terrestrial vertebrate exhibiting yearly
allochrony. Population and evolutionary ecologists must consider yearly
allochrony when studying animal life cycles, given its significant
implications for speciation, species conservation, and monitoring
programs.