Blanc's leaf chameleon

Distribution

''Brookesia betschi'' is found in forests of northern Madagascar at altitudes of 1,150 to 1,650 m .
It is found in subhumid forests in the Manongarivo Reserve, the Anjanaharibe-Sud Reserve, Marojejy National Park and the Tsaratanana Reserve, as well as in forests between them, over a total area of 11,090 km2 . The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated the Marojejy leaf chameleon as Near Threatened due to the loss of rainforest in northern Madagascar.

This species has very specialised microhabitat requirements and does not tolerate disturbance. It is threatened by destruction of the forest for agriculture by slash and burn and logging. Although its range is fragmented into a number of separate blocks, each one is thought to be large enough to support a viable population.

Behavior

The Marojejy leaf chameleon is diurnal, spending the day searching through leaf litter for insects and other small invertebrates. If disturbed, it remains motionless, relying on its cryptic colouration to provide camouflage. It perches on low trees and plants at night, when it is most easily spotted.

Habitat

''Brookesia betschi'' is found in forests of northern Madagascar at altitudes of 1,150 to 1,650 m .
It is found in subhumid forests in the Manongarivo Reserve, the Anjanaharibe-Sud Reserve, Marojejy National Park and the Tsaratanana Reserve, as well as in forests between them, over a total area of 11,090 km2 . The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated the Marojejy leaf chameleon as Near Threatened due to the loss of rainforest in northern Madagascar.

This species has very specialised microhabitat requirements and does not tolerate disturbance. It is threatened by destruction of the forest for agriculture by slash and burn and logging. Although its range is fragmented into a number of separate blocks, each one is thought to be large enough to support a viable population.