Health Assessment of Free-Ranging Panther Chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) in Marojejy National Park, Madagascar

Abstract

Panther chameleons ( Furcifer pardalis ) are endemic to Madagascar, yet most available health data are derived from captive populations. The objective of this study was to establish baseline morphometric, physiologic, hematologic, whole blood biochemical, and fatty acid parameters in free-ranging panther chameleons. Thirteen wild panther chameleons (11 males, 2 females) were captured in October 2025 in Marojejy National Park, Madagascar. Morphometric measurements, vital parameters, skin swabs for molecular analysis, and blood samples for hematology, biochemistry, and fatty acid analysis were collected. Descriptive statistics were calculated and reported as median [interquartile range] (minimum–maximum) due to a non-normal distribution and small sample size. Aside from one panther chameleon (PC-13, n male = 1), individuals appeared clinically healthy. Median cloacal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were 25.4°C (77.7°F), 96 beats/min, and 12 breaths/min, respectively. Electrolyte values were consistent across individuals, while glucose (69–363 mg/dL) and lactate (1.1–19.6 mmol/L) showed considerable variability, likely reflecting handling stress. Hematologic parameters were within expected ranges, with lymphocytes as the predominant leukocyte type. Microbial screening identified diverse bacterial and fungal taxa, though most were considered clinically insignificant. A filarial nematode ( Loa loa ) was detected in one individual (PC-03, n male =1). Fatty acid analysis revealed a predominance of saturated and ω-6 fatty acids, with a median ω-6:ω-3 ratio of 6.09. These findings provide the first comprehensive baseline health assessment of free-ranging panther chameleons in Marojejy National Park, Madagascar. The results highlight the influence of diet, environment, and stress on physiologic parameters and emphasize the importance of field-based diagnostics. Establishing baseline health data is critical for monitoring population health, detecting emerging disease, and informing conservation and management strategies for Madagascar’s endemic reptiles.