THE Chameleon in danger of extinction with the humildisima greatness of Saint Francis of Assisi, love nature. Miguel Hernandez. THE main threat continues being the disappearance of HABITATS the population of chameleons in the Iberian Peninsula is reduced to fragmented multi-core in a narrow coastal strip Huelva, Cadiz, Malaga and Granada, as well as of the Portuguese region of the Algarve. While Malaga populations are concentrated in agricultural areas phytoplankton, after disappearing in the coast line, chameleons of Cadiz and Huelva appear more linked to coastal habitats, not transformed, pine and retamares. The main threat remains the disappearance of habitats due to the advance of the urbanisation process, which causes the destruction of the sunsets by earthworks, the deterioration of vegetation and frequent abuses in roads and highways for all population centres. In addition, is frequent the illegal sale of copies to tourists. However, the Chameleon has also demonstrated its ability to adapt to areas already urbanized, especially in those cases in which constructions have not involved major transformations and have taken into account the preventive measures for the protection of the species. Their main nuclei are found in the agricultural ramblas of the Axarquia, associated with the almond trees, olive trees and vineyards.
Suburbs East of the Malaga capital as El Palo, record important nuclei associated with orchards and gardens. In their areas of Malaga distribution, Chameleon presents a strong food dependency with respect to the moths of the almond tree, which inspires a strong protectionist sentiment by farmers. In the province of Granada the presence of Chameleon is reduced to a small area around Almunecar. Contrary to what happens in Malaga, the distribution of the Chameleon is limited in Cadiz to the coastal strip. Limits of the different cores are set between Sanlucar de Barrameda and Chiclana, with a presence that is closely linked to the pine forests and retamares.
In the province of Huelva Chameleon occupies the coastal strip between Isla Cristina and Mazagon, as well as several points in the area of Donana. The population of chameleons in Huelva is conditioned by the existence of barriers such as the marshes of Isla Cristina or stone and Odiel rivers. Finally, the Algarve colonies reduced to a small coastal strip in the area of Vila Real de San Antonio, have their origin in various introductions with specimens from Huelva, that have adapted successfully to a habitat of pinewoods in excellent state of conservation. Malaga hosts the first rehabilitation center since 1995 and breeding in captivity of the Chameleon, launched by the Institute of ecological research and the Department of the environment. This Centre is a key element for the conservation of this valuable species in danger of extinction. And as said the unforgettable poet Federico Garcia Lorca: things they will not never again / everybody knows it, / and between clear crowd of winds / is useless to complain. Francisco Arias Solis Si quieres peace, get ready to live in peace with all men. For peace and freedom and Forum free Internet portal.