Revitalizing the Artola Dunes: A Tale of Human Intervention and Chameleon Conservation
The Artola dunes in Marbella, a significant natural space on the Costa del Sol, have been a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts. However, years of human activity have taken a toll on this environment. Now, a series of initiatives are underway to restore this unique habitat.
Chameleons: The Unlikely Heroes of Dune Regeneration
Since 2016, chameleons have been playing a crucial role in the regeneration of the dune area. The ProDunas Marbella association and the University of Malaga (UMA) have recently published a groundbreaking study on the activity of this protected species in the dunes. The study, titled ‘Estructura de una población de camaleones Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linneo, 1758) introducida en el Monumento Natural Dunas de Artola (Marbella)’, has been featured in the bulletin of the Spanish Herpetological Association.
Insights from the Study: A Closer Look at the Chameleon Population
The study provides an in-depth analysis of the chameleon population introduced to the dune ecosystem from 2016 to 2020, during which 20 specimens were released. Three years after the last release, a team of ten UMA students embarked on a mission to study the evolution of this species in the dunes. The team, led by Rafael Negrete, has developed a key study to understand the biodiversity of the dune ecosystems of the Costa del Sol.
Encouraging Findings: Chameleons are Thriving
One of the most promising findings of the study is that the chameleons are reproducing. As Rafael Negrete, the lead author and a Biology student at UMA, shared, hatchlings and young chameleons have been found in the area. The study revealed that the Artola dunes provide an ideal ecosystem for this species, with a soft sandy substrate for nest-building, a moderate extension for reproduction, and a dense arboreal substrate for shelter and escape from predators.
Threats to the Chameleon Population: The Impact of Human Activity
Despite the positive findings, the study also highlighted the threats to the chameleon population in the area. Housing developments and road construction, which fragment their habitat, pose significant risks. Public use of the area, including hiking and tourism activities, intensify the damage caused by displacement on the dune, further threatening the native wildlife.
