Communities’ Knowledge and Perceptions towards the Conservation of Nguru Spiny Pygmy Chameleon (Rampholeon acuminatus) in Nguru Mountains, Tanzania

Abstract

Rhampholeon acuminatus is a critically endangered species in 
Tanzania's Nguru Mountains. Its main threat is habitat loss due to 
human activities like farming and the pet trade. Understanding public 
awareness and perceptions about its conservation is crucial for the 
survival of this chameleon and other reptiles in the area. This study 
was conducted in five villages bordering the Mkingu Nature Forest 
Reserve (MNFR), part of the Nguru Mountains. This study assessed 
the communities’ knowledge, perception, and practices towards 
conserving R. acuminatus. The results revealed that 31.5% of people 
perceived no benefits that communities get from the preservation of 
R. acuminatus p = 0.001. Moreover, about 25.2% of the respondents 
are unaware of the activities that threaten the conservation of         
R. acuminatus in Nguru mountains p = 0.148. The study also found 
that about 88.3% of the respondents cleared the land to create space 
for the cultivation of crops such as cardamom, cassava, beans, and 
maize. The majority of the respondents (97%) reported that there are 
no education programs or initiatives in place that target to increase 
awareness of the R. acuminatus Nguru mountains, thus making it 
difficult for communities to identify the species. Thus, only a few 
respondents were able to identify the R. acuminatus during the 
survey, and the rest were not able to identify it even after being 
shown a photo p = 0.139. Thus, the study recommends public 
awareness programs and conservation education as well as the 
reduction of forest-dependent activities that target chameleon 
species to ensure their survival and reduce perceived threats by 
dispelling myths and encouraging interest in reptiles’ conservation.