CR

Brookesia bonsi

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Brookesia bonsi faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its extremely limited range in northeastern Madagascar. The species' tiny population is highly vulnerable to collection pressure for the international pet trade, with its miniature size making it particularly sought after by collectors. Agricultural expansion and slash-and-burn practices continue to destroy the remaining fragments of lowland rainforest that this chameleon depends upon for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Brookesia bonsi inhabits the leaf litter and low vegetation of primary lowland rainforests in northeastern Madagascar, typically found within 2 meters of the forest floor. The species requires intact forest canopy to maintain the humid microclimate conditions essential for its survival.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Brookesia bonsi classified as Critically Endangered?
Brookesia bonsi is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Brookesia bonsi faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its extremely limited range in northeastern Madagascar. The species' tiny population is highly vulnerable to collection pressure for the international pet trade, with its miniature size making it particularly sought after by collectors. Agricultural expansion and slash-and-burn practices continue to destroy the remaining fragments of lowland rainforest that this chameleon depends upon for survival.
Where does Brookesia bonsi live?
Brookesia bonsi occurs in Madagascar. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Brookesia bonsi?
The main threats to Brookesia bonsi are 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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