Brookesia valerieae
Brookesia valerieae, also known as Valerie's dwarf chameleon, is a species of chameleon endemic to Madagascar. This small lizard inhabits forest environments at mid-altitudes and is characterized by its endangered conservation status, primarily due to habitat loss from slash-and-burn agriculture. It is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Manongarivo Special Reserve in Madagascar.
- ›Inhabits forest habitats at altitudes between 500-700 meters.
- ›Classified as an endangered species by the IUCN.
- ›Primary threat is habitat loss due to slash-and-burn agriculture.
- ›Reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous).
Valerie's Dwarf Chameleon
Madagascar
Slash-and-Burn Agriculture, Habitat Loss, Pet Trade
About Brookesia valerieae
Brookesia valerieae: Valerie's Dwarf Chameleon
Brookesia valerieae, commonly known as Valerie's dwarf chameleon, is a distinctive species of chameleon found exclusively in Madagascar. This small lizard belongs to the family Chamaeleonidae and is recognized for its limited geographic range and precarious conservation status.
Habitat and Distribution
The natural habitat of Brookesia valerieae is confined to forest environments, typically situated at altitudes between 500 and 700 meters. Its known distribution is restricted to the Manongarivo Special Reserve and the vicinity of the Ramena River in Madagascar. While the total potential area between these two points is significant, the precise extent of its range has not been fully confirmed.
Conservation Concerns
Valerie's dwarf chameleon is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The primary driver of this status is the severe habitat loss occurring in its native region, largely attributed to slash-and-burn agricultural practices. The species has also been impacted by involvement in the pet trade. Although it is found within some protected reserves, Brookesia valerieae is not currently designated as a protected species.
Taxonomy and Reproduction
This species was first described by English herpetologist Christopher John Raxworthy in 1991. The specific name, valerieae, honors Valerie M. Raxworthy. Brookesia valerieae reproduces by laying eggs, a characteristic known as being oviparous.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brookesia valerieae?
Brookesia valerieae is a species of chameleon, a type of lizard belonging to the family Chamaeleonidae. It is native to the island of Madagascar and is known for its small size.
Where is Brookesia valerieae found?
This species is endemic to Madagascar, specifically found within the Manongarivo Special Reserve and near the Ramena River. Its known range is limited to these areas.
What kind of habitat does Brookesia valerieae prefer?
Brookesia valerieae prefers natural forest environments. It is typically found at altitudes ranging from 500 to 700 meters above sea level.
What is the conservation status of Brookesia valerieae?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified Brookesia valerieae as endangered. This status is largely due to significant habitat loss.
What are the main threats to Brookesia valerieae?
The primary threat to Brookesia valerieae is habitat loss, which is mainly caused by slash-and-burn agriculture in its native region. It has also been part of the pet trade.
How does Brookesia valerieae reproduce?
Brookesia valerieae is oviparous, meaning that females lay eggs as their method of reproduction.
Is Brookesia valerieae a protected species?
While it occurs within some reserves, Brookesia valerieae is not currently a protected species. This status does not reflect the severity of threats it faces.
Related Lizards
Norville's flying lizard
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Phelsuma seippi
Phelsuma seippi, also known as Seipp's day gecko, is a medium-sized, diurnal lizard native to the rainforests of northern Madagascar. Characterized by its slender, long-snouted body, it exhibits green or yellowish-green coloration with distinctive red or rust-colored spots and markings, including a rust-colored eye stripe and potential v-shaped stripes on the throat. This arboreal species primarily feeds on insects and nectar, and is considered endangered.
Brookesia dentata
The toothed leaf chameleon, *Brookesia dentata*, is a species of chameleon native to northwestern Madagascar. Known for its small size and leaf-like camouflage, it inhabits forests and areas affected by human activity. This species is currently classified as endangered due to habitat decline.