Hidden Arboreal Relict of Tsaratanana: Calumma peltierorum

Calumma peltierorum Raxworthy & Nussbaum, 2006 is a microendemic chameleon restricted to montane rainforest in northern Madagascar. The type locality is Mahajanga Province, Bealanana Fivondronana, Tsaratanana, Mangindrano–Maromokotro trail, Matsaborimaiky (14°09.175'S, 48°57.431'E), at 1900–2050 m elevation. This arboreal species is distinguished by reduced occipital lobes, subtle casque morphology, and hemipenial characters separating it from C. brevicorne and C. amber. Adults exhibit 14–19 gular spines and cryptic green‑brown coloration adapted to microhabitats.

According to the IUCN Red List, Calumma peltierorum is assessed as Near Threatened (criteria B1ab(iii)), with an extent of occurrence under 100 km², fragmented populations, and continuing decline due to deforestation, shifting agriculture, and logging. Although Tsaratanana Reserve provides nominal protection, peripheral forest fragments remain vulnerable. For herpetologists, C. peltierorum exemplifies the hidden diversity of Malagasy chameleons: rare, taxonomically refined, and entirely dependent on intact montane ecosystems that are rapidly eroding.