Raphali Andriatsimanarilafy, Research Manager within the organization, led an informative session with the entire staff. The goal was to raise awareness about Madagascar’s chameleons, their ecological role, and the threats they face.

This awareness-raising initiative is especially meaningful in a country where 98 chameleon species are endemic. Among them, Calumma tarzan represents a tangible conservation success. Thanks to the efforts of Madagasikara Voakajy, field studies, population monitoring, and community outreach; this species, formerly listed as “Critically Endangered,” was reclassified as “Endangered” in the latest IUCN assessment in March 2025.

Research conducted between 2020 and 2021 confirmed an expansion of Calumma tarzan’s distribution range in the Alaotra-Mangoro and Atsinanana regions, in eastern Madagascar. This discovery reinforces the urgent need to continue protecting its forest habitats, which are seriously threatened by deforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy), and unfounded fear that still leads to the species being killed.

This day served as a reminder that scientific knowledge, when shared at all levels of an organization, is a powerful tool to strengthen collective engagement in preserving Madagascar’s unique biodiversity. At Madagasikara Voakajy, conservation also means informing and involving everyone.