Mission Pinocchio: first major announcement for 2026 in Vohimana
- Sebastien Metrailler
- Jan 1
- 2 min read
The CCC is kicking off the year with the announcement of its very first new project for 2026: Mission Pinocchio, dedicated to the study and conservation of the Calumma pinocchio chameleon, a recently described species already considered one of the most emblematic of Vohimana in Madagascar.
A recently discovered species, already threatened
Scientifically described in 2025*, the Pinocchio chameleon is distinguished by its elongated rostral appendage, which earned it its name. But beyond this unique appearance, the species has a more worrying characteristic: an extremely restricted range, which is believed to be limited to a few fragments of rainforest around Vohimana, in eastern Madagascar. This micro-endemicity, combined with increasing pressure on Madagascar's forests, places Calumma pinocchio among the conservation priorities.
A sentinel species of the Vohimana reserve
Due to its high dependence on microclimatic conditions and forest structure, the Pinocchio chameleon acts as a true biological indicator. Its conservation status directly reflects the ecological quality of the Vohimana rainforests. Protecting this species therefore goes far beyond protecting a single chameleon: it means working to preserve an entire forest ecosystem, benefiting many other species.
An integrated and operational scientific mission
Led by the Caméléon Center Conservation, in partnership with the National Museum of Natural History – Paris Zoo and the NGO L'Homme et l'Environnement, Mission Pinocchio is based on an integrated approach:
detailed study of populations (density, structure, dynamics),
detailed analysis of habitat and microhabitat,
ecological diagnosis of threats,
behavioural observations in semi-natural forest enclosures, designed as temporary and non-invasive extensions of the natural environment,
pilot restoration actions and local capacity building.
The data produced is designed from the outset to be directly usable by reserve managers and field workers to guide sustainable forest conservation and restoration actions.
A locally rooted, forward-looking project
Since 2023, CCC teams have been documenting the diversity of chameleons in Vohimana. The Pinocchio Mission marks a new stage: that of a long-term structuring project, bringing together researchers, Madagascan students, community guides and institutional partners. Beyond research, the project includes an important awareness-raising component targeting local communities and schools, in order to promote local ownership of conservation issues.
2026: a year that begins with a powerful symbol
By making the Pinocchio chameleon the first project officially announced for 2026, the Chameleon Centre Conservation is affirming its ambition: to intervene early, with scientific rigour and pragmatism, to prevent newly discovered species from becoming lost species too quickly.
The Pinocchio Mission embodies this vision: to make a chameleon with a unique snout a sentinel species and a powerful symbol of the conservation of chameleons in the humid forests of Vohimana in Madagascar.
* GLAW, F., AGNE, S., PRÖTZEL, D., GEHRING, P. S., KÖHLER, J., PREICK, M., RATSOAVINA, F. M., STRAUBE, N., WOLLENBERG VALERO, K., CROTTINI, A. & VENCES, M. (2025). Towards a revision of the Malagasy chameleons of the Calumma gallus complex: Redefinition of Calumma nasutum based on a museomics approach and descriptions of two new species. Salamandra, 61(4): 442-466