Calumma cucullatum

The Hooded Chameleon (Calumma cucullatum)

The hooded chameleon, scientifically known as Calumma cucullatum, is a species of chameleon endemic to the northeastern region of Madagascar. This reptile is characterized by its distinctive hooded appearance, which gives it its common name. It is found in humid forest environments, typically at elevations ranging from 400 to 720 meters above sea level.

Distribution and Habitat

Calumma cucullatum inhabits a specific ecological niche within northeastern Madagascar. Its geological type locality is Madagascar itself, indicating the region where it was first formally identified. The species has been recorded in various locations, including Marojejy National Park in the north and Marolambo in the south, and has also been documented in areas such as Tsararano, Anandrivola, and Masoala. The total area over which it is found spans approximately 17,432 square kilometers (6,731 sq mi).

Conservation Status and Threats

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified Calumma cucullatum as a Vulnerable species. This designation highlights the significant pressures facing the species' survival. The primary threat identified is agricultural activity, particularly the slash-and-burn method of farming, which leads to habitat destruction and fragmentation, directly impacting the chameleon's environment.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The taxonomic history of the hooded chameleon reveals several classifications over time. It was first described by Gray in 1831 as Chamaeleon cucullatus. Later, Duméril and Bibron described it in 1836 as Chamaeleo cucullatus. Gray also classified it as Bradypodium cucullatum and Calumma cucullata in 1865. Werner described it as Chamaeleon cucullatus in 1911. More recently, Klaver and Böhme, as well as Glaw and Vences, and Necas, referred to it as Calumma cucullata. The current accepted scientific name, Calumma cucullatum, was established by Lutzmann and Lutzmann in 2004.