An ambassador of choice for the 234 species of chameleons that inhabit the planet. One of their representatives has been based at Muzoo, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, since October 2. This is one of the largest specimens of its family, the Parson’s chameleon. Alfred – that’s what his guardians call him – is two years old, he was born in Germany and has not yet reached his adult size, which can be around 70 centimeters.
Its presence in the watchmaking metropolis has two goals: conservation and education. The idea, explains Yasmine Ponnampalam, head of Muzoo’s zoological sector, is to raise public awareness of the biodiversity crisis. With an ambassador such as Parson’s chameleon, “we give the desire and the keys to reverse the trend”, she believes.
In the wild, the Parson’s chameleon lives in the moist primary forests of the northern and eastern coasts of Madagascar. But its survival is in danger. The species is classified as “near threatened”, according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). According to Sébastien Métrailler, founder and president of Caméléon Center Conservation, “over the last 15 years, the population has declined by 15%. »
The Malagasy island alone is home to almost half of the world’s chameleons. But its biodiversity is strongly threatened by deforestation and climate change. And until recently, the scientific world didn’t seem to have much interest in chameleons.
Aware of this alarming situation, Sébastien Métrailler founded the Caméléon Center Conservation two years ago in Valais. An association dedicated to the protection of these animals and the improvement of scientific knowledge. His project is divided into two axes: the study in a natural environment and the establishment of a captive population. The goal: to unravel the mysteries of the ecology of the Parson’s chameleon and increase visitor awareness in European zoological structures.
Muzoo participates in both aspects of the Chameleon Center Conservation program by contributing financially to field research and hosting Albert.
Visitors will be able to come and admire the Vivarium’s Parson’s chameleon from Tuesday, October 8. The opportunity also to discover a small thematic exhibition on the biology of chameleons and the dangers that threaten them.
If Albert’s acclimatization goes well in the Neuchâtel Mountains, he could be joined by a female of his species. And the couple could then have a happy announcement to make. However, you will have to be patient. With Parson’s chameleons, everything moves slowly. If there are eggs, their incubation can last up to two years. /cwi
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