Camouflaged animals

Camouflaged animals are harder to notice in their surroundings. Body colours, patterns, shape and behaviour can help them avoid predators or approach prey. Tigers, snow leopards, octopuses and cuttlefish use different forms of camouflage.

Types of camouflage

• Permanent patterns: spots and stripes on some cats help break up the outline of the body.
• Rapid changes: octopuses and cuttlefish can change their skin patterns and colours.
• Colours suited to snow: the pale coat of a polar bear and some seasonal variations in Arctic fox coats reduce contrast with their surroundings.
• Shape and stillness: an animal can be harder to recognise among leaves, branches or stones.

Colour, communication and habitat

Colour changes in chameleons also serve communication and temperature regulation. Abilities differ between species and depend on the situation.

Camouflage depends on light, season and place. A snow leopard’s pattern suits rocky terrain, while a tiger’s stripes can conceal its outline in vegetation. Nocturnal and polar animals have varied adaptations to the conditions where they live.

Sources: San Diego Zoo — camouflage in cats · Monterey Bay Aquarium — cephalopods · Research — colour and communication in chameleons · National Park Service — Arctic adaptations · WWF — snow leopard