“Diamond Shields in the Leaf Litter: The Hidden World of Brookesia brunoi

Brookesia brunoi, described in 2012, is a leaf chameleon endemic to Madagascar's south‑central highlands. It belongs to the Brookesia decaryi group and is distinguished by its robust morphology and cryptic coloration. Adults reach up to 68 mm in total length, making it medium‑sized for the genus. The dorsal surface carries nine pairs of pointed tubercles that culminate in a diamond‑shaped pelvic shield, a diagnostic feature of the species. The tail continues with smaller tubercles but lacks a defined ridge. Coloration is typically brown to grey, blending seamlessly with leaf litter, which provides effective camouflage against predators. B. brunoi is currently known only from the Anja Reserve near Ambalavao, inhabiting semi‑arid deciduous forest fragments within a very restricted range of less than 15 km². Due to its limited distribution and ongoing habitat degradation, the species is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, highlighting urgent conservation needs.