The Caméléon Center Conservation joins the IUCN/SSC Chameleon Specialist Group!

Through three of its members, Angelinah René de Roland, Olivier Marquis and Martin Etave, we are pleased to announce the beginning of a close collaboration between our two organizations dedicated to chameleons.

The goal ?

To combine our efforts to improve knowledge of these threatened reptiles and to develop innovative research and conservation projects.

Who are we?

The Caméléon Center Conservation (CCC) is a Swiss non-profit organization founded in 2022. Its mission is to carry out projects that contribute to the conservation of chameleons and their habitats, or to the advancement of scientific knowledge about these species. These projects rely on research programs, international collaborations, and cooperation with local communities. The CCC also develops awareness-raising and local education initiatives for lasting community-level impact. More information: www.cameleoncenterconservation.org

The Chameleon Specialist Group (CSG) is one of the specialist groups of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its mission is to improve the conservation status of wild chameleons by using evidence-based data and scientific knowledge to implement conservation actions and public policies that lead to the reduction of the extinction risk for members of this enigmatic lizard family. More information: www.iucnchameleons.org

What are the strengths of this collaboration?

Through its comprehensive approach to conservation (in situ and ex situ), its experience with conservation breeding programs, and its study and inventory projects, the Caméléon Center Conservation brings its expertise and operational flexibility to the service of conservation, in alignment with the IUCN-supported One Plan Approach. Thanks to its network of zoos, public and private research institutions, NGOs, associations, and private breeders, CCC can also mobilize partners and secure funding, particularly to support research projects of the Chameleon Specialist Group.

By providing scientific advice to conservation organizations, government agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and other IUCN members, the Chameleon Specialist Group plays a central role in the global conservation of these species. It also provides essential information on the status of chameleon species for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, helping to highlight their conservation status, improve research, guide national and international legislation, and draw attention to the global conservation needs of the family.

Together, we can take meaningful action for the conservation of chameleons, 34% of which are threatened with extinction. Contact us if you would like to support our work.

Photos : Calumma gallus (Lucas Orsini) / Furcifer bifidus (Valentin Peguiron)