The invisible world of Parson’s chameleon: a new video from CCC

What can the unseen world of the Parson’s chameleon teach us about its health and conservation?

In the rainforests of eastern Madagascar, teams from the Caméléon Centre Conservation (CCC) are studying the Parson’s chameleon (Calumma parsonii) at the Vohimana and Iaroka sites.

As well as studying its populations, behaviour and habitat, our research explores an aspect that remains largely unknown: the invisible health of this species.

Our new video takes you on a journey to discover two complementary aspects of this scientific programme: the study of parasites and that of the gut microbiota – the collection of microorganisms living in the digestive system.

From non-invasive sampling carried out in the forest to microscopic observations in Madagascar, followed by genetic analyses in the laboratory, discover how this research helps us explore the links between the chameleons’ health, their diet and their environment.

This research will also enable us to compare wild populations in Madagascar with chameleons kept in captivity in Europe, in order to better understand their biology and develop new insights that will aid their conservation.

Because to better protect a species, we must also understand what is happening inside its body.

Thank you to our local partners: L'Homme & L'Environnement, IMPACT Madagascar and VOI Iaroka, and to our technical and financial partners who support our Parson’s chameleon conservation programme