Highland Hideaway: Rediscovering Vences’s Chameleon in Madagascar’s Sorata Forest
A study documents a significant range extension for the endangered chameleon species Calumma vencesi, previously known only from three localities in northeastern Madagascar. The research team conducted nocturnal surveys in Sorata Forest, part of the COMATSA Nord Natural Resources Reserve, and recorded eight individuals of C. vencesi, marking the first known occurrence of the species in this high-elevation forest.
Key Findings:
New Locality: Sorata Forest (elevation 1251–1500 m) is now confirmed as a habitat for C. vencesi, extending its known elevational range by at least 300 m.
Population Density: 0.38 individuals per 100 m—lower than similar species like C. tarzan.
Roosting Behavior: Most individuals perched vertically on dicot leaves or vines, with heads pointed upwards—typical of the C. furcifer group.
Habitat Use: Roosting occurred at higher elevations and perch heights (avg. 1.43 m) than previously recorded.
Conservation Implications: The discovery suggests a potential additional extent of occurrence of ~160 km². Sorata Forest, also home to the Critically Endangered Brookesia nana, is a Key Biodiversity Area and should be prioritized for conservation.
Conservation Message:
The presence of C. vencesi in Sorata reinforces the ecological value of this forest fragment and highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to mitigate threats like deforestation, vanilla farming, and cattle grazing.
Reference:
Rabearivony, J., Ranaivojaona, A., Jao, M., & Raselimanana, A.P. (2025). A new locality for the endangered Vences's Chameleon, Calumma vencesi Andreone et al., 2001, from Sorata Forest, northeastern Madagascar. Herpetology Notes, 18: 817–820.
