BETWEEN THE LEOPARD AND CHAMELEON

Justice Osai Ahiakwo 

Man in his higher mammalian form is uniquely created to exhibit varying behavioral traits as well, take to other lesser animals. 

The ability of transforming into different characters distinguish man as a homospecian endowed with the sensory organs to discern what is good and bad. 

There was a time in human history when philosophies and ideologies were hallmark or threshold of the identity of the people. This was an intriguing aspect of human existence lening on the dominanering power and control over every other creature. 

The surge for diversification has triggered the nomadic  push for conquests over people and territories amid insinuations that superiority, tribal and racial discrimination are major factors for human survival.

What this discussion seeks to address is simply suggestive on the adaptability, transformation, and possible deception or concealment of human character. 

But before delving into the nitty-gritty of the topic, it is necessary to reflect on the two animals whose figurative usage in our contemporaneous every day life, serves as a moral leason.

The similarities in characters, shapes and sizes constitute the take home lesson that man needs to abide with, whether in his identity, disguise or self-discovery.  

Both leopard and chameleon are known for their distinct abilities to change their appearance. Chameleon changes color to blend in, while the leopard's spots help it hide in the wild.

Succinctly put, they are two interesting animals that demonstrates the diverse wonders of the animal kingdom. 

Though, there are differences in appearance, habitat, and behavior, both animals possess distinctive characters that have captivated humans for centuries.

Leopard is an imposing big cat with strength, agility, and stealth. The rosette-patterned fur and powerful build makes it a predator that can take down prey much larger than itself. 

This animal is found across Africa and Asia, including savannas, forests, and mountains. Leopard is a skilled climber and swimmer, making it a versatile hunter known for adapting to a wide range of environments.

As for the chameleon which is small, slow-moving lizard has the ability to change color. Its pigmentation allows it to blend into surroundings it found  itself and communicate with other chameleons. Chameleon primarily rely on insects as its main source of food and dwells in warm habitats such as rainforests, deserts, and savannas. 

There are numerous researchers that have revealed chamelon as a fascinating reptile with independent mobile eyes, a long, sticky tongue for capturing prey, and specialized feet for gripping onto branches and climbing trees.

Both animals play important roles in their respective ecosystems, as they represent the diverse beauty and complexity of the natural world. 

From the leopard's strength and stealth to the chameleon's color-changing abilities, these animals showcase the incredible adaptability and resilience of life on earth. 

By understanding and appreciating these creatures, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the  relationship of  individual lives that sustains our planet.

This is experienced within our nation where this figurative representation is used to describe politicians or political strategies.  

It is in Nigeria, a politician is likened to a leopard for his aggressive and forceful approach to achieving his goals, while another is referred  to as a chameleon for his ability to change positions or alliances to suit his needs. 

This representation is in both positive and negative, depending on the context and perspective one may look at it. 

The ruthlessness of the leopard has seen him through to the highest political position of the nation, whereas, the chameleon who refused an offer just because he doesn't want to be addressed as what he tagged "being a second citizen" only settled for a confined territorial  appointment under the leopard.

In the realm of political supremacy, a day will come when the chameleon will turn out to be a prey upon which the leopard will devour and obviously, that day draws nign because it is inevitable.