Colorful Panther Chameleon on Madagascar is Actually 11 Different Species

Scientists have discovered a staggering 11 new species on the remote island of Madagascar. It turns out that a colorful and charismatic reptilian species, which is only found in Madagascar, is actually composed of 11 different species.

Madagascar is home to extraordinary biodiversity. However, in the last few decades the island's forests have been under attack. Rapid deforestation is impacting the forests and also the species that live there, including the panther chameleon. That's why researchers decided to take a closer look at this species.

The scientists took two expeditions from East to West to collect drops of blood from 324 individuals, which were they documented through color photographs. The researchers wanted to find the genetic keys behind the panther chameleon's incredible color palette. After their analysis, though, they found they weren't just looking at one species; they were looking at 11.

With the color photographs, the researchers found that the subtle color patterns that they saw could effectively predict assignment of chameleon individuals to their corresponding genetic lineage, confirming that many of the geographical populations might need to be considered separated species. The researchers simplified their analyses of the color diversity into a classification key, which allowed them to link most chameleons to their corresponding species using only the naked eye.

Each off the new chameleon species requires individual management, given that they each constitute a different part of the biodiversity of the whole. The visual classification key that the researchers created could help local biologists to avoid local population over-harvesting.

The researchers hope that their new findings will help with conservation efforts. In addition, they hope that it raises awareness for the staggering but fragile biodiversity on Madagascar.

The findings are published in the journal Molecular Ecology.

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