Saving The Tarzan Chameleon From Extinction
The project focused on safeguarding the Tarzan chameleon and its remaining habitat within the Ambatofotsy and Ankorabe reserves by placing local communities at the heart of conservation efforts. Through a combination of protection, restoration, scientific monitoring, and education, the initiative strengthened both biodiversity conservation and local stewardship.
To reduce threats to the species and its forest habitat, trained ranger teams carried out regular patrols across community-managed areas. Four teams were equipped with the SMART monitoring tool and conducted twice-monthly patrols between July 2024 and May 2025. Patrol strategies were guided by near-real-time data on fire alerts (VIIRS) and forest cover loss from Global Forest Watch, allowing rapid responses to emerging threats.
Community governance played a central role in the project. Local DINA committees were trained and supported to enforce conservation regulations, while community-based organizations updated their forest management contracts with the Ministry of Environment (MEDD). These efforts resulted in clearly defined land-use plans, strengthened governance structures, and locally agreed rules that support long-term forest protection.
Forest restoration activities combined practical action with long-term planning. Nurseries were equipped to produce 5,000 seedlings for active restoration, while degraded areas were identified for natural regeneration. Target species were selected, and a comprehensive restoration plan for 2025–2030 was developed. Field agents received training to monitor restoration progress and species survival.
To better understand the status of the Tarzan chameleon, population surveys were conducted along randomly placed transects using standardized distance-sampling methods. Data on age, sex, and distance from transect lines were collected, enabling robust population density estimates using Distance software.
Education and awareness were key pillars of the project. Outreach activities engaged schoolchildren and village communities, with educational materials developed in both the local language and English. School kits were distributed to support learning and encourage attendance, fostering a new generation of conservation advocates.
