Protect Chameleon Hatchlings from Silverleaf Desmodium

An invasive plant, the Silverleaf Desmodium, is threatening the hatchling chameleons in Madagascar. Initially introduced as cattle feed, this low-growing plant has surprisingly strong, sticky stems which hatchling chameleons will crawl up, get stuck on, and die. The danger this plant poses to hatchling chameleons has been described in a soon-to-be-published paper co-authored by Dr. Michael Nash and Patrick Andriamahaja. Dr. Nash is teaming up with the Chameleon Academy and Wildlife Madagascar to physically remove this plant from the Ranomafana and Vohimana areas.

With the funds raised here, Wildlife Madagascar will be able to print educational material, fund plant removal, and pay locals to assist. Dr. Michael Nash will keep track of progress and report back. This initial strike will be a 6-week removal program.

Our first milestone is to reach $500 which will allow us to kick the project off with printing of educational material and get the first round of workers in the field. Funds beyond that will go to strengthen the eradication efforts.