About the Chameleon Specialist Group (CSG)

The Chameleon Specialist Group (CSG) is one of more than 160 Specialist Groups within the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). As a volunteer member network of dedicated experts, the CSG promotes, and supports, the conservation and sustainable use of wild chameleons and their habitat. The CSG aims to provide an evidence-based approach and scientific knowledge directed at the implementation of conservation actions and public policies that lead to the reduction of the extinction risk for members of this enigmatic lizard family. The CSG works to enhance conservation of chameleons by providing scientific advice to conservation organizations, government agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and other IUCN Members, and support the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements. Additionally, CSG members work to provide critical information on the status of chameleon species for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species to shed light on the conservation status of the family and species within it, enhance research, inform national and international laws, and draw attention to the global conservation needs of the family.

To acheive these aims, the CSG regularly engages in the following activities:

- Support, coordinate or lead on the evaluation of chameleon species for the IUCN Red List.

- Supoprt CITES bodies (Secretariat, Animals Committee, national Management Authorities and Scientific Authorities) in trade issues related to chameleons.

- Identify priority sites, including Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE), for the conservation of chameleons.

- Promote scientific research on the ecology and habitat use of chameleons.

- Design, implement or support effective conservation measures that secure habitats and wild populations for the most threatened chameleons through collaboration with governments, research institutions, conservation organizations and local communities.

- Make available published and unpublished information about chameleons.

Membership in the CSG is by invitation only, based on experience, expertise, and leadership in chameleon conservation and/or biology.

Please contact Christopher V. Anderson if you would like to be considered for CSG membership. We are especially interested in new members from nations under-represented in the membership, and who are focused on scientific research and/or conservation efforts for chameleons. Although membership is considered an honor earned, it is also a responsibility to participate and to contribute actively to our chameleon conservation efforts. We focus primarily on scientific evaluations of status and threats analysis, and help to catalyze conservation action, while avoiding non-scientific advocacy. If you feel that you are able to contribute to our work, please contact us.