Taxonomic notes: Section empty

This leaf chameleon is endemic to Madagascar where it has only been found in the Foret d'Ambre Special Reserve in the north (Glaw et al. 2012). It is believed to be restricted to an area of <50 km² .

These leaf chameleons roost on low (< 1m) branches and leaves vegetation at night in rainforest (Glaw et al. 2012). They have also been observed on non-native plants, such as banana, in cleared areas of rain forest (Glaw et al. 2012). While a forest specialist, it may tolerate slightly modified habitats, particularly proximate to forest edges but is unlikely to withstand significant forest disturbance or survive in drastically-altered landscapes.

This species is locally abundant in the single site where it occurs but is inferred to be declining because of ongoing habitat loss (D'Cruze et al. 2008, Glaw et al. 2012). It is oviparous and lays two large eggs in a single reproductive event.

Although the Brookesia genus is on Appendix II of CITES there is no known trade of this recently described species.

Foret d'Ambre is facing a number of pressures, all of which combine to threaten this species. The main threats are the clearance of forest for (i) rice agricultural and other crops, (i) charcoal production, (iii) timber extraction, (iv) small-scale quarrying and (v) cattle grazing (D'Cruze et al. 2008).

• 2.1.1 Shifting agriculture
• 5.3.3 Unintentional effects: (subsistence/small scale) [harvest]
• 3.2 Mining & quarrying
• 2.3.2 Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming

Foret d'Ambre has Special Reserve protected status but a number of illegal activities are known to occur in the park (D'Cruze et al. 2008). Considerable effort is needed to conserve the remaining forest inside the Special Reserve and this should include improved enforcement activities and engagement with local communities.

• 4.3 Awareness & communications
• 2.1 Site/area management

Listed as Critically Endangered because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 100 km², all individuals are in a single location, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat.

• D'Cruze, N., Köhler, J., Franzen, M. and Glaw, F. 2008. A conservation assessment of the amphibians and reptiles of the Foret d'Ambre Special Reserve, Madagascar. Madagascar Conservation and Development 3(1): 44-54.
• Glaw F., Köhler J., Townsend T.M. and Vences, M. 2012. Rivaling the world’s smallest reptiles: discovery of miniaturized and microendemic new species of leaf chameleons (Brookesia) from Northern Madagascar. PLoS ONE 7(2): e31314. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0031314.
• IUCN. 2014. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. Available at: www.iucnredlist.org. (Accessed: 13 November 2014).