Makay 2025: Discovering chameleons and reptiles in a little-known mountain range
- Sebastien Metrailler
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Texte: Martin Etave
In May and June 2025, two missions to study and inventory chameleons and other reptiles were launched in the Makay massif in southwestern Madagascar. In collaboration with the Naturevolution association, these expeditions aim to update the list of known species and train eco-guards in the massif with the support of eco-volunteers.
A unique collaboration: Naturevolution & Caméléon Center Conservation
Since 2009, the Naturevolution association has been conducting exploration missions in the Makay massif. During some of these missions, teams of scientists have had the opportunity to draw up a preliminary assessment of the massif's biodiversity. To date, 53 reptile species have been recorded: 1 crocodile, 2 turtles, 19 snakes and 31 lizards (including 12 geckos, 8 skinks and 5 chameleons), but this data is still subject to change! The particularly high rate of endemism in this region, combined with the presence of unexplored areas, increases the chances of discovering new species. In addition, some already known species are particularly threatened, and there is an urgent need to collect scientific data to learn more about them and propose appropriate conservation measures.
So, by combining the scientific expertise of the Caméléon Center Conservation and the field experience of Naturevolution, we have created a multi-year project: "Study & inventory of chameleons and other reptiles in Makay". This protocol will not only update the list of known species, but also map their distribution in the massif. The protocol is being implemented by Makay's eco-guards. They are occasionally supported by eco-volunteer missions in participatory science, which enable them to collect additional microclimatic data (temperature, humidity, UV index, etc.). The first two eco-volunteer missions have just been successfully completed!
A proven scientific protocol, adapted to the terrain
Four forests inventoried, more than 300 km of walking through the massif, nearly two months of inventory and training for 21 eco-guards. It is in this context that we were able to apply our chameleon inventory protocol for the very first time in the Makay massif. This protocol was initially implemented in the Vohimana reserve and more recently in the Iaroka forest. Our protocol, established in partnership with the Paris Zoological Park and our scientific coordinator Olivier Marquis, was also adapted for snakes and turtles this time.
Promising results despite the dry season
Although the missions took place at the beginning of the dry season, which is less favourable for observing reptiles, they were a resounding success! Of the 26 species of chameleons, snakes and tortoises already known in the Makay massif, we found 15, representing more than 57% of the species inventoried!
Endangered species and unexpected discoveries
In addition, two species of snakes that had never been officially observed in the massif were spotted, as well as an endangered species of chameleon: Furcifer nicosiai. And that's not counting the rest of the herpetofauna, including numerous geckos, skinks, agamas and amphibians, which, although not included in this inventory, were also noted. Some species were known, others were not, and some may even be new to science. Photos of each individual were taken and will be sent to specialists for further identification.
The essential contribution of eco-guards and eco-volunteers
These eco-volunteer missions were also an opportunity to collect microclimatic data (temperature, humidity, UV index) that will provide a better understanding of the living conditions of the species studied. In total, we encountered 134 chameleons of three species, 23 snakes of 13 species and one turtle.
Towards the classification of Makay as a protected area
These very encouraging results are valuable arguments in favour of classifying the Makay massif as a protected area in order to preserve its exceptional biodiversity.
List of species observed in the inventory:
Chameleons: Furcifer nicosiai (considered endangered by the IUCN), Furcifer oustaleti, Furcifer viridis.
Snakes: Acrantophis dumerili, Dromicodryas bernieri, Dromicodryas quadrilineatus, Leioheterodon geayi (probably first sighting in Makay), Leioheterodon madagascariensis, Leioheterodon modestus, Liophidium vaillanti, Lycodryas pseudogranuliceps, Madagascarophis colubrinus, Madatyphlops arenarius (first observation in Makay), Mimophis mahfalensis, Pseudoxyrhopus quinquelineatus, Thamnosophis lateralis.
Turtle: Pelomedusa subrufa
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