Calumma peyrierasi: A Ghost of the Marojejy Forest

Calumma peyrierasi is one of the rarest and least-documented chameleons in Madagascar. First described in 1974 by Brygoo, Blanc, and Domergue, this species was discovered in the misty highlands of the Marojejy mountains, at elevations between 1900–2000 meters. Named in honor of André Peyriéras, a French entomologist who contributed extensively to Malagasy biodiversity studies, C. peyrierasi has remained virtually unknown for decades.

Despite its formal classification, sightings of this species are exceptionally rare. The Reptile Database notes that there are no verified photographs in scientific repositories. Only a handful of images exist, most of them shared informally by local guides and field researchers. One such image was recently shared by Franko, a seasoned guide in Madagascar, who encountered the species during a trek through Marojejy's dense montane forest.

Key facts:

• Distribution: Restricted to the Marojejy mountains, northeastern Madagascar

• Taxonomy: Family Chamaeleonidae; originally described as Chamaeleo peyrierasi

• Reproduction: Oviparous

• Documentation: Only a few known photos; not widely represented in herpetological literature

• Conservation Status: Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN

• iNaturalist: No records of this species exist on the platform

• Photos: A few rare images can be viewed at chameleons.info

Its cryptic nature, remote habitat, and limited documentation make Calumma peyrierasi a symbol of Madagascar's hidden biodiversity. Continued fieldwork and local expertise—like that of Franko—are essential to uncovering the life history of this enigmatic species.