Green & Blue Flaps of the Rainforest: The Story of Calumma malthe

Calumma malthe is a Malagasy chameleon described by Günther in 1879. It belongs to the family Chamaeleonidae and is endemic to eastern and northeastern Madagascar. The species inhabits humid evergreen forests and mountain cloud forests, with known populations in areas such as Andasibe, Anjanaharibe-Sud, and Marojejy National Park. It is strongly associated with dense vegetation and rarely occurs outside intact forest interiors.

This medium-sized chameleon is characterized by green ear patches and subtle sexual dimorphism. Like other members of the genus Calumma, it is oviparous, though detailed reproductive biology remains poorly documented. Its ecology is closely tied to forest microhabitats, where it relies on camouflage and arboreal behavior.

The IUCN Red List currently categorizes Calumma malthe as Least Concern, citing its relatively wide distribution and occurrence in several protected areas. However, ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion in Madagascar pose localized threats to its habitat. Trade quotas have been established to regulate collection for the pet trade, reflecting conservation concerns despite its overall status.

An important note is that the population from Marojejy National Park may represent a separate taxon. Field observations suggest morphological differences and ecological specialization that could indicate divergence from other populations. This highlights the need for further taxonomic and genetic studies to clarify species boundaries and ensure appropriate conservation measures.

Calumma malthe exemplifies Madagascar's unique herpetofauna, balancing resilience through protected habitats with vulnerability to environmental pressures, while also presenting intriguing questions about hidden diversity within its range.