Facts About Brookesia decaryi
Brookesia decaryi, commonly known as Decary's leaf chameleon, the spiny leaf chameleon, or Decary's pygmy chameleon, is an endangered species of chameleon native to Madagascar. First described by Fernand Angel in 1939, this distinctive species is found exclusively in the Ankarafantsika National Park in northwest Madagascar. It thrives at elevations below 200 meters above sea level, inhabiting an area of roughly 1,300 square kilometers of dry forest.
Despite being relatively well-studied, much about the reproductive behavior of Brookesia decaryi remains unknown. Researchers have observed clutch sizes ranging from two to five eggs. These chameleons are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and typically sleep at a height of about 17 centimeters off the ground on small plants, fallen logs, and low trees.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified Brookesia decaryi as an endangered species, and their population is in decline. Although protected under Malagasy law, regulated collection is allowed outside Ankarafantsika National Park. The primary threats to their survival include wood harvesting, fires, farming, and ranching, all of which present significant challenges to their conservation.