The team

"If you can dream it, you can do it"

Walt Disney

Our steering team

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Président

Our association was born of a sincere desire to contribute to the protection of chameleons and their ecosystem. The president and founder, Sébastien METRAILLER, is a man with a lifelong passion for herpetological fauna and aquatic ecosystems. Author, trainer, lecturer, breeder and project management expert, he is a member of the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, vice-president of the PRT association (Protection et récupération des Tortues, Centre Emys) and founder of the ZooConseil consultancy.

As advocates of a holistic and pragmatic approach to animal conservation, we know that finding funds to implement concrete projects dedicated to reptile conservation is often an obstacle. But we are convinced that our association, the only one of its kind in Switzerland, will be able to create a significant and lasting momentum for the protection of chameleons and their ecosystem. Contact: info@cameleoncenterconservation.org

Co-founder

Véronique PIOUCEAU is committed to this project, which was born out of a deep conviction that everyone can contribute to a better world by raising their awareness and reconnecting with what makes them tick. A therapist, coach, photographer and multi-talented individual, she supports people who are on a quest for meaning and harmony.

Thanks to her interpersonal, communication and artistic skills, she actively supports the association's efforts, particularly through communication and the creation of visual content (photography, video editing).

His commitment aims to encourage and support those who wish to have a positive impact on the world.

Scientific supervision

With a doctorate in biology, Olivier MARQUIS is curator of reptiles and amphibians at the Parc zoologique de Paris, part of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. He is also a lecturer, field biologist, lecturer in various animal keeper training courses, expert on numerous commissions, member of the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group and Chameleon Specialist Group, and co-leader of the amphibian specialist group of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA).

Olivier makes a point of combining a scientific approach with zootechnical procedures in order to contribute to research and conservation; a scientific rigor that frames the projects of the association Caméléon Center Conservation.

Zootechnical supervision

Capacitarian and consultant in herpetoculture, Benoît de VILLELONGUE is the founder of Herpéto-technique, which specialises in assisting zoological structures in the zootechnical approach and the design of infrastructures for captive reptiles and amphibians. Passionate about the animal world and a reptile breeder, he trained as an animal keeper and has worked in various zoos, including the ZooParc de Beauval, as well as in a number of private and public facilities.

Benoît helps to improve the quality of the zootechnical conditions used in the conservation breeding projects run by the Caméléon Center Conservation association.

Naturalist and photographer

As a student and amateur photographer, Rayane VUILLEMIN has always been fascinated by the diversity of the animal kingdom. Photography has been his way of getting close to animals. Long interested in birds and mammals, his photographic approach centered on the notion of species led him to visit over 100 zoos and discover herpetology. He publishes images of his work on his website

Rayane is involved in the development, implementation and monitoring of projects run by the association Caméléon Center Conservation.

Research and scientific outreach officer

A naturalist and terrarium enthusiast, Martin ETAVE has always had a passion for the richness of living things. He is particularly interested in the study and conservation of chameleons. A member of the DGHT's chameleon working group and the IUCN Chameleon Specialist Group, he trained in the study of these reptiles with Anthony Herrel (CNRS/MNHN) and Christopher V. Anderson (IUCN - SSC Chameleon Specialist Group), taking part in research into the evolution, ecology and physiology of these animals.

He holds a Master's degree in Systematics, Evolution and Palaeontology from the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle and Sorbonne University, and is also studying for a second Master's degree in journalism and scientific communication at the Université Paris Cité. He shares his passion for living things on his popularisation blog: Le Vivarium Naturaliste. Martin is involved in the development, implementation and monitoring of projects run by the Caméléon Center Conservation association.

Veterinary Supervision

Benjamin DROUET, veterinary doctor at the Besançon Museum, is passionate about medicine and the conservation of endangered species, particularly Madagascan wildlife. He trained at institutions involved in the conservation of this endemic fauna, at the Parc zoologique de Paris and the Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Mulhouse. His experience as a wildlife veterinarian has enabled him to develop skills in projects that link zoos and in situ conservation stakeholders.

He is also involved in protecting the endemic reptiles of Réunion Island through the Nature Océan Indien association. His main area of research is the study of infectious diseases and their implications for the conservation of endangered species. Benjamin is helping to improve knowledge of the intestinal microbiota and medicine of chameleons, through various projects run by the Caméléon Center Conservation association.

Scientific Coordinator Madagascar

Herpetologist and teacher-researcher at the University of Toliara, Dr Angelinah RENÉ DE ROLAND specialises in the study of chameleons in Madagascar and member of the IUCN Chameleon Specialist Group. She is currently supervising several Master 2 students at this university. Since 2016, she has been conducting research into the ecology and biology of chameleons in the Northern Highlands, particularly in the protected areas of Bemanevika and Mahimborondro, where she obtained her doctorate in 2021.

She has taken part in numerous biodiversity inventories in Madagascar, in the north, east, west and south of the island, in collaboration with various institutions (WCS, Re:wild, The Peregrine Fund). Angelinah plays a key role within CCC, where she supervises the work of students in order to strengthen local scientific capacity and improve the quality of projects carried out in Madagascar.

Our project managers

Michaël RAMALANJAONA

National Coordinator - Madagascar

E-mail

Karen LUNA CURIEL

Fundraising Officer

E-mail

Students on academic placements

2024 - 2025: Colin RUFFIEUX, Master II, University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland), subject: "Examination of correlations between chameleons and plants in the Vohimana Reserve".

2025: Bora Kanoso ALZEID, Master II, University of Tulear (Madagascar), subject: "Estimation of chameleon abundance in the Vohimana Reserve".

2025 - 2026: Nourally LIANTSOA, University of Tulear (Madagascar), subject: "Estimation of the home range and habitat use of Calumma parsonii in the Vohimana Reserve".

2025 - 2026: Sherida RASOANIRINA, University of Tulear (Madagascar), subject: "Estimation of the home range and habitat use of Calumma parsonii in the Vohimana Reserve".

2025 - 2026: Corentin SCHURCH, Master II, University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland), subject: "Influence of natural forests and fruit plantations on food availability and perch structure in Parson's chameleon".

2025 - 2026: Bamako PARFAIT, Master II, University of Tulear (Madagascar), sujet: "Inventory and ecological study of chameleons in the Iaroka Forest, Madagascar".

Caméléon Center Conservation (CCC) is a Swiss non-profit NGO, recognised as a public utility, active in scientific research and chameleon conservation. Based in Switzerland, the association develops in situ and ex situ conservation projects on an international scale, in partnership with scientific institutions, local organisations and the communities concerned.

CCC takes a rigorous and integrated scientific approach, aiming to produce reference data, strengthen local capacities and contribute to the long-term conservation of species and their habitats. Status of the association

Nr. IDE: CHE-301.379.821

BANK REF.: IBAN CH37 8080 8008 5000 7141 4, Banque Raiffeisen du Haut-Léman, Switzerland, SWIFT-BIC: RAIFCH22 / CB: 80808

SIEGE: Case postale 2, 1898 St-Gingolph (Switzerland)

info@cameleoncenterconservation.org

MADAGASCAR OFFICE: PO Box 60123 - Antananarivo 101

madagascar@cameleoncenterconservation.org