Sticky Death in the Forest: Desmodium Threatens Madagascar’s Chameleons

Desmodium, an invasive plant introduced from South America, is spreading rapidly across Madagascar and poses a serious threat to small chameleon species. Its stems are covered with sticky, hooked hairs that easily trap delicate reptiles, especially hatchlings. Many young chameleons die after becoming ensnared, unable to free themselves.

Articles by Nash & Andriamihaja (2024) and  by Nash & Nečas (2025) drew attention to this problem. We now provide new evidence from Andasibe: a hatchling of Calumma gastrotaenia was discovered still alive but glued to the stem of Desmodium. The tiny chameleon was carefully freed and released, but the incident underscores the alarming impact of this invasive plant.

The spread of Desmodium represents a hidden but deadly danger for Madagascar's herpetofauna, highlighting the urgent need for monitoring and management to protect vulnerable species.

Nash, M. J., & P. Andriamihaja (2024) Calumma oshaughnessyi (O'Shaughnessy's chameleon). Mortality. Herpetological Review 55(3): 439.

Nash, M. & P. Nečas (2025): Speculative Implications of an Invasive Plant Desmodium uncinatum on Ecology and Chameleon Survival. Archaius 2(2): 1