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The population status of chameleons within Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar, and recommendations for future monitoring

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

Richard K. B. Jenkins ,
Lee D. Brady ,
Kieron Huston ,
Juliet L. D. Kauffmann ,
Jeanneney Rabearivony ,
Georges Raveloson  and
J. Marcus Rowcliffe
Richard K. B. Jenkins
Affiliation:
School of Pure and Applied Biology, University of Wales, PO Box 915, Cardiff, CF1 3TL, UK
Kieron Huston
Affiliation:
Surrey Wildlife Trust, Pirbright, Surrey, UK
Juliet L. D. Kauffmann
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
Jeanneney Rabearivony
Affiliation:
Universite d'Antananarivo, Madagascar
Georges Raveloson
Affiliation:
Universite d'Antananarivo, Madagascar
J. Marcus Rowcliffe
Affiliation:
Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
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Abstract

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Malagasy chameleons are threatened by the relentless pace of habitat destruction. Their great popularity amongst herpetoculturalists has also resulted in collection for international animal markets. Most previous fieldwork has focused on the compilation of much needed species inventories, but little attention has been given to estimating chameleon population densities. This lack of information prevents a reliable assessment of the effects ofhabitat loss and direct exploitation on wild populations. A simple and repeatable methodology for the monitoring of chameleon populations is therefore urgently required. The present study developed survey techniques based on distance sampling within an area of relatively undisturbed rain forest at Ranomafana National Park. In total 394 individuals from six species were recorded and population densities (± SE) of 27.2 ± 5.4/ha Brookesia spp. and 21.4±4.0/ha Calumma spp. were estimated using the computer program DISTANCE. The authors propose that monitoring of chameleons in areas subject to different threats should begin immediately using the methods outlined in this paper.

Keywords

ChameleonMadagascarpopulation densityrain foresttrade
Type
Research Article
Information
Oryx , Volume 33 , Issue 1 , January 1999 , pp. 38 - 46
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1999

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