Life history traits, age profile, and conservation of the panther chameleon, Furcifer pardalis (Cuvier 1829), at Nosy Be, NW Madagascar

The morphometry, age structure, and abundance of the panther chameleon Furcifer pardalis (Cuvier 1829) were studied at Nosy Be (NW Madagascar). Males were larger and heavier than Females (SVL, 138.38 +/- 35.94 vs 91.92 +/- 18.48 mm; mass, 61.06 +/- 39.86 vs 22.62 +/- 13.17 g). The age, assessed by skeletochronology, was usually less than one year, with a maximum of 2 years. The density estimate for adult individuals was higher along roads (42.21/ha) than in agricultural habitats far from roads (17.43/ha). Compared to other species of Malagasy chameleons, F pardalis is infrequent in pristine and close forests, while, like other Furcifer species, it. is more closely associated with riverine habitats. The higher concentration Of individuals in forest-like bands along roads is explained by the presence of a suitable vegetation band along roads and the similarity of this habitat to the riverine and ecotonal forests preferred by chameleons of the genus Furcifer. The life history traits, high fecundity and short life span indicate that the current collecting rate does not: affect: the abundance of F pardalis. Measures of chameleon conservation at Nosy Be should consider the preservation of the anthropogenic forest band.