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The population status of chameleons within Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar, and recommendations for future monitoring

Jenkins, Richard K. B., Brady, Lee D., Huston, Kieron, Kauffmann, Juliet L. D., Rabearivony, Jeanneney, Raveloson, Georges, Rowcliffe, J. Marcus (1999) The population status of chameleons within Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar, and recommendations for future monitoring. Oryx, 33 (1). pp. 38-46. ISSN 0030-6053. (doi:10.1046/j.1365-3008.1999.00034.x) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:16871)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3008.1999.00034.x

Abstract

Malagasy chameleons are threatened by the relentless pace of habitat destruction. Their great popularity amongst herpetoculturalists has also resulted in collection for international animal markets. Most previous fieldwork has focused on the compilation of much needed species inventories, but little attention has been given to estimating chameleon population densities. This lack of information prevents a reliable assessment of the effects of habitat loss and direct exploitation on wild populations. A simple and repeatable methodology for the monitoring of chameleon populations is therefore urgently required. The present study developed sun ey techniques based on distance sampling within an area of relatively undisturbed rain forest at Ranomafana National Park. In total 394 individuals from six species were recorded and population densities (+/- SE) of 27.2 +/- 5.4/ha Brookesia spp and 21.4 +/- 4.0/ha Calumma spp. were estimated using the computer program DISTANCE. The authors propose that monitoring of chameleons in areas subject to different threats should begin immediately using the methods outlined in this paper.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1046/j.1365-3008.1999.00034.x
Uncontrolled keywords: chameleon; Madagascar; population density; rain forest; trade
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: I.T. Ekpo
Date Deposited: 12 Sep 2009 18:21 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:54 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/16871 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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