Palleon lolontany
Palleon lolontany is a chameleon species native to Madagascar, specifically found in the humid forests of Mount Tsaratanana. First described in 1995, it was later placed in the genus Palleon. The species is currently rated as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to its limited habitat and potential threats from agricultural practices and logging.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to Mount Tsaratanana in Madagascar.
- ›First described by Raxworthy and Nussbaum in 1995.
- ›Reclassified into the genus Palleon in 2013.
- ›Its habitat is restricted to humid forests between 1,600 and 2,100 meters above sea level.
- ›Classified as near Threatened by the IUCN.
- ›Threatened by slash-and-burn agriculture and logging.
Madagascar
Slash-and-Burn Agriculture, Logging
About Palleon lolontany
Palleon lolontany is a species of chameleon that is exclusively found in Madagascar. This unique reptile was initially described by Raxworthy and Nussbaum in 1995, and subsequently, in 2013, it was placed in its current genus, Palleon.
Distribution and Habitat
The natural range of Palleon lolontany is confined to Mount Tsaratanana, the highest peak in Madagascar, located on the Tsaratanana Massif. Its specific habitat consists of humid forests, where it has been recorded at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,100 meters above sea level. The estimated area of suitable habitat for this species is approximately 300 km², with the total area where it can be found not exceeding 468 km².
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated Palleon lolontany as Near Threatened. This classification is primarily due to its restricted geographic distribution and the potential threats it faces. The species is vulnerable to habitat degradation caused by agricultural practices, particularly the slash-and-burn method, and also faces risks from logging activities within its mountainous environment. Despite these threats, the current population of Palleon lolontany is reported to be stable.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Palleon lolontany found?
Palleon lolontany is endemic to Madagascar, specifically found on the Tsaratanana Massif, with its type locality being Matsabory Lake and Mount Tsaratanana.
What is the habitat of Palleon lolontany?
This chameleon inhabits humid forests within the Tsaratanana Massif, typically found at elevations between 1,600 and 2,100 meters above sea level.
What is the conservation status of Palleon lolontany?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has rated Palleon lolontany as Near Threatened. This status is due to its limited distribution and susceptibility to habitat degradation.
What are the threats to Palleon lolontany?
The primary threats to Palleon lolontany include slash-and-burn agriculture, which can lead to habitat destruction, and logging activities within its mountainous range.
When was Palleon lolontany first described?
Palleon lolontany was first described in 1995 by herpetologists Raxworthy and Nussbaum. It was later reclassified into the genus Palleon in 2013.
Related Lizards
Brookesia bonsi
Brookesia bonsi is a critically endangered species of chameleon endemic to the humid parts of Namoroka National Park in northern Madagascar. This small lizard is known for its restricted geographic range and declining habitat. It belongs to the family Chamaeleonidae and was first described in 1980.
Calumma oshaughnessyi
O'Shaughnessy's chameleon (Calumma oshaughnessyi) is a lizard species endemic to Madagascar, named after herpetologist Arthur O'Shaughnessy. This chameleon is characterized by its brownish-gray coloration, a darker throat and jaw, and a short, bony structure on the snout in males. It inhabits humid forests in the central highlands of Madagascar and is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss.
Palleon nasus
Palleon nasus, the elongate leaf chameleon, is a small chameleon species native to Madagascar. It is characterized by its modest size, reaching no more than 9 cm in length, and its adaptation to humid forest environments. The species is divided into two subspecies, P. n. nasus and P. n. pauliani, each with specific distribution areas within Madagascar.