Chameleon that lived 100 years ago rediscovered by scientists in Madagascar

Scientists have rediscovered a unique chameleon species that was found in Magascar 100 years ago. On vember 1, researchers from Magascar and Germany said that many living species of Voeltzkow’s chameleon were found in rthwest of African island while scientists took an expedition to region. Bavarian Natural History Collections ZSM researchers published finding in journal Salamandra. 

Furcifer Voeltzkowi, also kwn as Malagasy chameleon, was rediscovered in Magascar after scientists compared newly found species’ morphology and osteology with that of a few male specimens, collected more than 100 years ago. During a “targeted expedition”, a team of researchers rediscovered Voeltzkowi in its natural habitat close to its locality. finding will help researchers fill kwledge gaps about this less kwn species, recently rediscovered. “Furcifer Voeltzkowi is a sexually dimorphic species. life colouration of males is largely green, whereas that of females is highly variable and can be extremely colourful,” scientists explained in study. colouration, as scientists described, makes se reptiles looks similar to ar species of chameleon Labordi that exists in west and southwest Magascar.

[A female Voeltzkow-Chameleon in Magascar. Scientists say y have found an elusive chameleon species that was last spotted in Magascar 100 years ago. Credit: AP]

[Male Voeltzkow-Chameleon in Magascar.Credit: AP]

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Short life span

rediscovered species of chameleon, however, only survives for a short span of life. Voeltzkowi have a post-hatching life span in rainy season that lasts a few months only, wherein, y hatch from eggs, grow rapidly, mate, and n die. Furrmore, distribution of species qualifies it as Endangered, according to researchers. Due to its continual decline, creature is put under IUCN Red List Criteria as its populations are also expected to be severely fragmented. 

“ assumed short life might also partly explain why this splendid species got “lost” for many deces since most ros in its habitat are t accessible in wet season,” study explained. As per researchers, rediscoveries of 'lost' species is a breakthrough as it provides scientific community with crucial data for conservation brings “hope” amidst biodiversity crisis facing challenge of 'sixth mass extinction’. Researchers are learning about creature’s life history and its genital morphology to conserve its population.

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