Six New Species of Occipital-lobed Calumma Chameleons (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae) from Montane Regions of Madagascar, with a New Description and Revision of Calumma Brevicorne
As a result of our recent herpetological surveys conducted in Madagascar, important new collections of large occipital-lobed Calumma chameleons have been made. These collections allow the recognition of six new Calumma species, in addition to the six currently recognized species. Five of the new species were located at specific montane regions, and one is broadly distributed in mid-altitude forest within the interior of the island. As previously reported for Brookesia dwarf chameleons, species richness in this Calumma group is greatest in northern Madagascar. An identification key is given for all 12 species and a new description provided for Calumma brevicorne, a species that has been confused with several other species. Previously described taxonomic uncertainties associated with this species are resolved, including the problematic status of the Calumma brevicorne tsarafidyi holotype, which we consider to represent the nominate form and unlikely to have been collected at Tsarafidy. Sexual dimorphism (including hemipenis development), biogeography, and conservation issues are also discussed for the group. The Bemanevika Lakes region of Southwest Tsaratanana harbors a new Calumma species not currently recorded for any protected area, and forest of this region is suggested for inclusion within a future reserve.Abstract
(A) Male Calumma brevicorne holotype BMNH 1946.8.21.41; (B) Female Calumma gularis holotype BMNH 1946.8.21.50; (C) Male Calumma brevicorne (Andasibe) in threat posture with gular pouch extended, and body flattened to display dorsal and ventral crest; (D) Female Calumma brevicorne UMMZ 215317 (Irony Anaboriana River); (E) Male Calumma amber, new species, holotype UMMZ 206957 (Montagne d'Ambre); (F) Male Calumma crypticum, new species, holotype UMMZ 215315 (Ambohitantely); (G) Female Calumma crypticum, new species (Ambohitantely).
Map showing known localities for species described in the text.
(A) Above: male Calumma jejy, new species, holotype AMNH R-144119 (Marojejy); below: male Calumma tsaratananense AMNH R-152447 (Tsaratanana); (B) Male Calumma jejy, new species, paratopotype UMMZ 206947 (Marojejy) basking on rocks; (C) Female Calumma jejy, new species, paratopotype UMMZ 206946 (Marojejy); (D) Male Calumma peltierorum, new species, paratopotype UMMZ 206953 (Tsaratanana); (E) Same individual as in (D), but showing change in coloration; (F) Female Calumma peltierorum, new species, paratopotype UMMZ 206952 (Tsaratanana).
(A) Male Calumma hafahafa, new species, holotype AMNH R-152386 (Bemanevika Lakes Forest); (B) Same individual as in (A), but close up view of the opposite side of the head.
(A) Above: male Calumma tsycorne, new species, holotype UMMZ 221869 (Kalambatritra); below: female Calumma tsycorne, new species, paratype UMMZ 214916 (Andohahela); (B) close up of head of male Calumma tsycorne, new species, holotype UMMZ 221869 (Kalambatritra).
Contributor Notes
(CJR) DEPARTMENT OF HERPETOLOGY, AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, CENTRAL PARK WEST AT 79TH STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10024-5192;