The Pink Panther of Ankaramibe

Furcifer pardalis, the Panther Chameleon is a chameleon species notoriously known for unbelievable and variable colors. Amongst all of them, one form situated in the extreme southwest of the range of the species exhibits spectacular and unbelievable red or pink colors. It is the form from the city of Ankaramibe. 

There is confusion regarding their naming. The trivial or vernacular names have no adherence to the Latin binomial nomenclature, which is codified and regulated by the code of zoological nomenclature. Moreover, the term "local form" is not a taxonomic category. However, to maintain clarity and prevent crossbreeding in captivity, it is practical to maintain consistency in the names of local forms. All Madagascan local forms of the Panther Chameleon are named either after the island they inhabit or after the city or village in the vicinity of which they occur. The confusion originates from two names: the name of the river Ankaramy and the name of the small village Ankaramibe. The pink Panthers live near Ankaramibe and do not cross the Ankaramy River. Since there is no Panther Chameleon form named after a river, it is more practical to use the name pertaining to the locality: Ankaramibe.

The quaint town of Ankaramibe is situated in the northwest part of Madagascar, within the Mahajanga region, right along the RN6 highway. This community showcases a blend of sturdy stone structures and traditional wooden huts, enveloped by fields of maize, secondary growth, and thriving coffee plantations. The area is predominantly adorned with mango trees, which greatly define its landscape. Flowing to the south of Ankaramibe is the Ankaramy River, after which this distinctive local chameleon variety is named. Across this river lies the western range of the Panther Chameleons. To the north, the Ankaramibe form meets the Djangoa form, which exhibits a drastically different appearance. Nestled between Ankaramibe and Djangoa are two rivers known as Antranofotaka and Ankingameloka.

The male chameleons found in and around Ankaramibe exhibit a unique coloration that is unmatched anywhere else in Madagascar. These chameleons are mostly a muddy red, occasionally shifting to a pinkish hue, complemented by striking white lips and white side stripes. Because of their distinctive rosy tones, these local specimens are often colloquially dubbed the "Pink Panther."