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(CNN) – Scientists have found the Voeltzkow chameleon in its natural habitat in northwestern Madagascar, the first time the species was rediscovered in more than a century.
Several live specimens of elusive reptiles were spotted during a guided expedition, researchers from Germany and Madagascar announced in a research paper published on Friday.
“Our planet is likely facing the beginning of a huge species extinction, often referred to as the ‘sixth mass extinction,’ the ‘Holocene extinction,’ or the ‘Anthropocene extinction,'” the researchers wrote.
“Rediscoveries of ‘lost’ species are very important as they provide crucial data for conservation measures and also provide some hope in the midst of the biodiversity crisis.”
Voeltzkow chameleons are difficult to find due to their short life span, which only lasts for a few months during the rainy season. Reptiles live in areas that are not easily accessible in the rainy season, making their study even more difficult for scientists.
Chameleons live along the coast between Katsepy and Soalala, as well as in Antrema, a new protected region in Madasgar that suffers from slash-and-burn agriculture and forest fires that pose a risk to animals.
Experts are still looking to learn more about the species, including its conservation status, life history, and genital morphology.
This story was first published on CNN.com, “Scientists have rediscovered a chameleon in Madagascar last seen 100 years ago.”
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