The Endangered Chameleon

THE CHAMELEON IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION

"With the humble greatness

of Saint Francis of Assisi

we love nature. "

Miguel Hernandez.

THE MAIN THREAT REMAINS THE DISAPPEARANCE OF HABITATS

The population of chameleons in the Iberian Peninsula several fragmented nuclei reduced to a narrow coastal strip in Huelva, Cadiz, Malaga and Granada, as well as the Portuguese region of Algarve. While the cities of Malaga are concentrated in agricultural areas littoral, after disappearing in the coastline, the chameleons of Cadiz and Huelva are more linked to coastal habitats, unprocessed pine and Retamares.

For all villages remains the main threat the disappearance of habitats due to the advance of urbanization process, which causes the destruction of earth movements set by the deterioration of vegetation and frequent violations on roads and highways. Moreover, there is often selling illegal copies to tourists. However, the chameleon has also demonstrated its ability to adapt to already developed areas, especially in cases where buildings have not involved major changes have been considered and preventive measures for the protection of the species.

Its main towns are in the Axarquia agricultural watercourses associated with the almond trees, olive trees and vineyards. In the Eastern suburbs of the city of Málaga as El Palo, there are important nuclei associated with orchards and gardens. In their range of Malaga, the chameleon has a strong dependency on food over the almond moth, which strong protectionist sentiment inspired by the farmers.

In the province of Granada, the presence of chameleon is reduced to a small area around Almuñecar. Contrary to what happens in Malaga, chameleon distribution in Cadiz limited to the coastal strip. The boundaries of the various nuclei are between Sanlucar de Barrameda and Chiclana, with a presence closely linked to the pine forests and Retamares. In the province of Huelva, the chameleon occupies the coastal strip between Isla Cristina and Mazagon, and several points in the Doñana area. The population of chameleons in Huelva is conditioned by the existence of barriers such as the marshes of Isla Cristina Stone and Odiel rivers.

Finally, colonies of the Algarve reduced to a small coastal strip in the area of ​​Vila Real de San Antonio, have their origin in various introductions with samples from Huelva, who have adapted successfully to a pine forest habitat in excellent condition of conservation.

Malaga hosts since 1995, the first rehabilitation center and captive breeding of the chameleon, launched by the Institute for Ecological Research and the Ministry of Environment. This is a key center for the conservation of this valuable species in danger of extinction. And as I said the unforgettable poet Federico Garcia Lorca: "Things that will never return / everyone knows, / and between the clear crowd of winds / is useless to complain."

Francisco Arias Solis

If you want peace, prepare to live in peace with all men.

Of Internet Portal for Peace and Freedom and Free Forum.

URL: http://www.internautasporlapaz.org