Fractured Lineages in Madagascar’s Forests: Calumma malthe

Both animals from the N part of the range

Calumma malthe (Günther, 1879) is a medium‑sized arboreal chameleon endemic to Madagascar, originally described as Chamaeleon malthe. The type locality is near Antananarivo, central Madagascar.

This species is characterized by a casque with occipital lobes, serrated dorsal crest, and variable coloration ranging from green to brown. It inhabits humid forests across a broad latitudinal range. However, northern populations differ morphologically and significantly from southern ones, particularly in casque proportions, occipital lobe morphology, and scalation. These differences are consistent and exceed the threshold of intraspecific variation, suggesting that the northern populations should be regarded as a distinct species pending formal revision.

The IUCN Red List currently assesses Calumma malthe as Least Concern, due to its relatively wide distribution, but notes ongoing habitat pressures from deforestation and agriculture.