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.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to Madagascar.
- ›Commonly known as the elongate leaf chameleon.
- ›Grows to a maximum length of 9 cm.
- ›Comprises two subspecies: P. n. nasus and P. n. pauliani.
- ›Listed as vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat decline.
Elongate Leaf Chameleon
Madagascar
Grows No More Than 9 cm In Length.
Mining, Logging, Slash-and-Burn Agriculture
About Palleon nasus
Palleon nasus: The Elongate Leaf Chameleon
Palleon nasus, commonly known as the elongate leaf chameleon, is a species of chameleon that is native and endemic to the island of Madagascar. First described by Boulenger in 1887, this small reptile is recognized for its modest size, typically not exceeding 9 centimeters in length.
Distribution and Habitat
The species is found across various regions of Madagascar. Specifically, the nominate subspecies, Palleon nasus nasus, is found in Ekongo in southeastern Madagascar. Another subspecies, Palleon nasus pauliani, is known from a more restricted area in Manjarivolo, l'Andringitra, Madagascar, and has been observed at elevations between 1,620 and 1,650 meters. The elongate leaf chameleon requires humid forest environments for its survival.
Taxonomy
Palleon nasus was initially classified as Brookesia nasus before being reclassified into the genus Palleon in 2013. The subspecies P. n. pauliani was described and documented in 1972.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists Palleon nasus as a vulnerable species. While its known range covers approximately 15,798 square kilometers, the quality and extent of its essential humid forest habitat are in continuous decline. This degradation is primarily driven by human activities such as mining, logging for charcoal production, and agricultural practices like slash-and-burn farming.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Palleon nasus?
Palleon nasus, also known as the elongate leaf chameleon, is a species of chameleon found only in Madagascar. It was first described in 1887 and is known for its small size.
Where can the elongate leaf chameleon be found?
The species is endemic to Madagascar. The subspecies Palleon nasus nasus is found in southeastern Madagascar, specifically around Ekongo. Palleon nasus pauliani is known only from Manjarivolo, l'Andringitra.
What is the size of Palleon nasus?
Palleon nasus is a small species, growing to a maximum length of 9 centimeters. This makes it one of the smaller chameleon species.
What are the subspecies of Palleon nasus?
There are two recognized subspecies of Palleon nasus: Palleon nasus nasus and Palleon nasus pauliani. These subspecies have distinct geographical locations within Madagascar.
What is the conservation status of Palleon nasus?
Palleon nasus is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. Its habitat, the humid forests it requires, is continuously declining in quality and extent.
What threats does Palleon nasus face?
The primary threats to Palleon nasus include mining, logging for charcoal, and slash-and-burn agriculture. These activities lead to the continuous decline of the humid forest habitat essential for the species' survival.
Related Lizards
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.
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.
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.