New inventory of chameleons in eastern Madagascar
- May 25
- 2 min read
A new study site for CCC
The Caméléon Center Conservation is continuing to develop its regional chameleon conservation programme in eastern Madagascar with the launch of a new survey project in the Maromizaha Reserve.
Located near Andasibe, this mid-altitude tropical rainforest covers nearly 2,640 hectares and forms part of the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Forest Corridor (CAZ), one of Madagascar’s most important ecological areas for the preservation of rainforests and their exceptional biodiversity.
Following on from the projects carried out in Vohimana and Iaroka, this third study site will enable CCC to gain a better understanding of the diversity and distribution of chameleons in one of the country’s richest yet most threatened regions.
An exceptional forest under pressure
The Maromizaha Reserve boasts remarkable ecological features. Despite this natural wealth, the chameleons of Maromizaha remain largely understudied. The research carried out by CCC will generate scientific data that will help us better understand the species present and strengthen conservation and ecological restoration efforts.
Like many forests in eastern Madagascar, this site currently faces several significant pressures, notably deforestation linked to slash-and-burn agriculture, habitat fragmentation and the exploitation of forest resources.
A collaboration between scientists and local communities
This inventory is currently being carried out by Bemaro PARFAIT, a student at the University of Toliara, as part of the scientific activities supported by the Caméléon Center Conservation.
The project is being developed in collaboration with GERP, the organisation responsible for managing the Maromizaha Reserve, thanks to whom CCC has the opportunity to carry out this new survey within this exceptional forest.
This collaboration also helps to strengthen scientific exchanges and the involvement of local stakeholders in conservation projects carried out in eastern Madagascar.
A regional programme for the chameleons of eastern Madagascar
This new project forms part of CCC’s regional programme dedicated to chameleons in the rainforests of eastern Madagascar, which now encompasses the sites of Vohimana, Iaroka and Maromizaha.
By conducting research on a regional scale, CCC aims to better understand species distribution, the ecological links between forests and the impacts of habitat fragmentation, in order to strengthen conservation efforts in this region, which is key to Madagascar’s biodiversity.
Being able to work simultaneously on several nearby but ecologically distinct forests represents a rare opportunity to better understand the dynamics of Madagascar’s endemic species and improve their long-term protection.
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