5th chameleon inventory session in Vohimana
- Sebastien Metrailler
- Mar 14
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 16
After four inventory sessions between 2023 and 2024, a fifth session has just started in the Vohimana reserve! This new phase is being conducted as part of a Master II in Life Sciences at the University of Toliara by Bora Kanoso Alzeid, under the direction of Dr Angelinah René de Roland and co-supervised by Dr Olivier Marquis, our scientific supervisor. This project is funded by Caméléon Center Conservation, as part of its collaboration with the NGO L'Homme et l'Environnement and the National Museum of Natural History.
🔎 Objectives of the study:
Complete the identification of the species present.
Provide new data on the abundance and distribution of populations.
✨ New protocol!
For the first time in our inventory project, we are using the Distance Sampling method. This technique makes it possible to estimate population density by measuring the distance between each individual observed and a reference line (transect). The closer the individual is to the transect, the higher the probability of detecting it, which allows for more precise modelling of species distribution.
In addition, the protocol includes a capture-mark-release approach to avoid double counting, as well as vegetation surveys to better understand the interactions between species and habitat.
Beyond scientific advances, this study contributes to training a new generation of Malagasy researchers dedicated to chameleon conservation.
We look forward to sharing the findings of this mission with you, so stay tuned!
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