Brookesia bekolosy
Brookesia bekolosy, also known as the Bekolosy leaf chameleon, is a species of chameleon found exclusively in Madagascar. Described in 1995, this lizard is characterized by its limited known geographic range and is currently classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to threats like logging. Its specific habitat and behaviors remain largely undocumented.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to Madagascar, specifically believed to inhabit the Bekolosy Plateau.
- ›First described by Raxworthy and Nussbaum in 1995.
- ›Classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- ›The species is known only from a single specimen collected in 1992.
- ›Its habitat is estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,000 meters above sea level.
- ›Threatened by the increasing prevalence of logging in its habitat.
Bekolosy Leaf Chameleon
Madagascar
Montane Forests, Plateau Ecosystems
- Details About the Physical Appearance of Brookesia Bekolosy Are Limited Due To the Single Known Specimen.
Not Specified In Available Records.
- Behavioral Traits Are Largely Unknown Due To the Scarcity of Documented Specimens.
Logging, Habitat Loss
About Brookesia bekolosy
Brookesia bekolosy, commonly known as the Bekolosy leaf chameleon, is a species of chameleon native to the island of Madagascar. First formally described by Raxworthy and Nussbaum in 1995, this elusive reptile is characterized by its extremely limited known geographic range and the scarcity of scientific data surrounding its existence.
Description and Habitat
The Bekolosy leaf chameleon is known only from a single specimen that was collected in 1992 from Bekolosy, located within the Manongarivo Special Reserve in the Diana region of Madagascar. Its habitat is believed to be situated between 1,000 and 2,000 meters (approximately 3,300 to 6,600 feet) above sea level. Despite the lack of specific details regarding its distribution, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified Brookesia bekolosy as Endangered. This designation is based on the assessment that the species is unlikely to inhabit an area larger than 3,000 square kilometers (about 1,200 square miles).
Conservation Concerns
Compounding the conservation concerns for Brookesia bekolosy is the fact that its known habitat is an area where logging activities are becoming increasingly prevalent. Should further research confirm that the species is exclusively found on the Bekolosy Plateau, its status could be upgraded to Critically Endangered. This would reflect the even smaller potential range, less than 100 square kilometers (around 39 square miles), and the associated high risk of population decline within that limited area.
Taxonomy and Status
The taxonomic status of Brookesia bekolosy has been considered valid by authorities such as the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) as of 2012. The species was documented by Necas in 1999, further solidifying its place in scientific literature. However, beyond its classification and the single specimen, much of its biological and ecological profile remains undocumented.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Brookesia bekolosy found?
Brookesia bekolosy is endemic to Madagascar. It is believed to be found only at the Bekolosy Plateau within the Manongarivo Special Reserve.
What is the conservation status of Brookesia bekolosy?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified Brookesia bekolosy as Endangered. This status is due to its limited known range and the ongoing threat of habitat degradation.
How much is known about Brookesia bekolosy?
Very little is known about Brookesia bekolosy. The species has only ever been documented through a single specimen collected in 1992, and further details about its life and ecology are scarce.
What are the threats facing Brookesia bekolosy?
The primary threat to Brookesia bekolosy is logging, which is becoming increasingly common in its habitat. If its distribution is confirmed to be very small, it faces an even higher risk of endangerment.
Related Lizards
Brookesia lineata
Brookesia lineata, commonly known as the lined leaf chameleon, is a chameleon species endemic to Madagascar. Discovered in 1995, this species is characterized by its association with specific protected reserves and is currently classified as endangered due to threats from agricultural practices. Its name derives from the Latin word for "line" or "stripe."
Yercaud day gecko
The Yercaud day gecko is a species of gecko native to the Shevaroy Hills in southern India. This small reptile is found at high elevations within its specific habitat. Its scientific classification places it within the genus Cnemaspis.
Calumma amber
The Calumma amber, or Amber Mountain chameleon, is a chameleon species native to the northernmost region of Madagascar, specifically found on and around Montagne d'Amber National Park. First described in 2006, it was initially thought to be a population of the Calumma brevicorne species.