University Research on the Common Chameleon in the Artola Dunes

This is the second year that students from the University of Malaga, with the permission of the Junta de Andalucía, carried out a sampling study of the Common Chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) in the “Dunas de Artola” Natural Monument.The team of university students led by undergraduate Rafael Negrete and supervised by the project tutor David Romero carried out a detailed study of the Common Chameleon population in the area. They collected data such as sex, weight, measurements and the exact area where each chameleon was found and subsequently released to continue its life in its natural habitat.

This work, which was carried out on a voluntary basis, took place between July 24-29 by seven or eight volunteers. They carried out a night time search for Common Chameleons. In total, six hectares of the 19.27 hectares that make up the Natural Monument were studied. Although we know that the chameleon is present outside the sampling area, the research focused on the area where the Common Chameleon releases were carried out between 2016-2020. These releases of chameleons were carried out by CREA with the participation of the ProDunas Marbella Association, resulting in the population currently under study.

 In 2023, a total of 28 chameleons was sighted. According to the snout-to anal length (cm), 16 individuals were classified as juveniles and 12 as adults. According to the size of the head and the shape of the anus, 12 females and 11 males were identified, leaving 5 individuals unidentified.

This year, 2024, things have gone better because using the same methodology, a similar sampling effort and the same dates, a total of 51 different specimens was counted: 33 adults and 18 juveniles, 13 males, 21 females and 17 unidentified.

Regarding the health of the population, the majority of the specimens were healthy, without injuries and were judged to be well nourished, indicating a population in good health and reproductive status. However, threats such as anthropogenic pressure and the presence of some cats were detected. New surveys will be required to analyse the population trend in the sample areas, expand the study to non-sampled territories of the Natural Monument and evaluate the long-term viability of the populations.

Author: Rafael Negrete.