Chameleons in Andrafiamena-Andavakoera (Madagascar)
The north of Madagascar is a treasure trove of biodiversity – this has long been known. Nevertheless, even in the 21st century, many areas of the island are still little explored. A group of Malagasy and US biologists has now presented a new overview study that focuses on one such area.
The Andrafiamena-Andavakoera Protected Area (Paysage Harmonieux Protége d’Andrafiamena-Andavakoera) is located in the north of Madagascar, right between the Ankarana National Park and the Analamerana Protected Area. It is managed by the NGO Fanamby and consists of three isolated dry forests called Binara, Antsahabe and Andrafiamena.
During the transition from the dry to the wet season, observations were made by day and night with the naked eye along designated transects and pitfall traps were dug into the ground along three transect lines. In addition, possible reptile refuges, for example under dead wood, were examined and frog calls were recorded.
A total of 13 amphibian and 39 reptile species were recorded in the three forests. Three species of chameleons were frequently found in all three dry forests: Brookesia stumpffi in the deciduous layer, Furcifer pardalis and Furcifer petteri on trees and shrubs. Surprisingly, the most common chameleon species in Madagascar, Furcifer oustaleti, was only found in Andrafiamena during the study period, but not in Binara and Antsahabe. Brookesia stumpffi was always found on the ground or sleeping on young plants below 1 m height. Furcifer petteri and Furcifer pardalis tended to be found in the middle or upper part of the trees. The authors cite humans and the associated destruction of habitat as a possible threat to the protected area.
Herpetofaunal diversity in northern Madagascar: The Andrafiamena-Andavakoera protected area.
Fandresena Rakotoarimalala, Arianna Kuhn, Achille P. Raselimanana, Sara Ruane
Malagasy Nature 19, 2025: 160-174
DOI: not available
Photo: Male Furcifer petteri in Madagascar, photographed by Alex Negro
Verbreitung Science