Calumma sp. MdA

There appears to be a population of Calumma cf. radamanus around 900m a.s.l. in Montaigne de Ambre above Joffreville, clearly distinct from the syntopic Calumma linotum. I first documented a female of this taxon in 2019 and confirmed their ocurrence in 2026 by photographic evidence. Since then, local guides have reported the occurrence of a small chameleon that they traditionally identify as Calumma cf. nasutum, based on its diminutive size, absence of occipital lobes, and the presence of a laterally flattened rostral appendage. However, these accounts remain anecdotal, as no photographic or physical evidence has yet been provided to substantiate the reports. 

Unfortunately, both records were females, so that the appearance of a male still remains a mystery.

Prötzel et al. (2020) provided a detailed account of the morphological variation of C. radamanus and documented its distribution in northeastern Madagascar, ranging from Tampolo to Ambatondradama at elevations between 7 and 500 m. On the basis of these findings, and in the absence of alternative described taxa, current consensus among herpetologists is that all northern Madagascar records of small Calumma species with a soft rostral appendage and lacking occipital flaps should be provisionally referred to C. radamanus.