Furcifer balteatus – The Belted Giant of Ranomfana

Furcifer balteatus is a striking Malagasy chameleon, first described by Duméril and Bibron in 1851. The species belongs to the genus Furcifer, which encompasses many of Madagascar's large-bodied chameleons. The name balteatus derives from the Latin, meaning "belted" or "girdled," a reference to the distinctive transverse banding pattern that characterizes the species.

This chameleon is endemic to Madagascar's southeastern rainforests, with notable populations in Ranomfana National Park. It inhabits humid evergreen forest at mid‑elevations, where dense vegetation provides both camouflage and hunting grounds. 

Furcifer balteatus is considered one of the largest chameleons in Madagascar, rivaling even the famous Furcifer pardalis in size. The two specimens documented from Ranomfana represent the largest known individuals of the species. Male have reach a total length of 52 cm, while the females attained an even a greater length of 55 cm. These measurements place Furcifer balteatus among the giants of the chameleon world, remarkable for both their size and their vivid coloration.

Like other Furcifer species, it is oviparous, though detailed reproductive data remain limited. The species is listed on the IUCN Red List, with habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion posing significant threats. Despite these pressures, Ranomfana National Park provides a refuge where the species persists in relatively stable numbers.

Furcifer balteatus thus stands out not only for its impressive size and striking banded appearance, but also as a symbol of Madagascar's rainforest biodiversity. Its etymology, rooted in the Latin word for "belt," perfectly captures the visual hallmark of this extraordinary reptile.