Community perceptions, anthropogenic pressures, and climate change impacts on the conservation of the Magombera single-horned Chameleon (Kinyongia magomberae), Tanzania

Introduction This study examined the socio-ecological setting of the Magombera Nature Reserve, a key wildlife conservation area in Tanzania, by evaluating the endemic Magombera single-horned chameleon ( Kinyongia magomberae ). Methods A mixed-methods design was employed, with data gathered from 198 community members in the villages of Katurukila, Magombera and Kanyenja using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, thematic analysis and thematic mapping. Results The results revealed a significant level of awareness within the communities regarding chameleons (p<0.05). Anthropogenic factors such as deforestation, logging and charcoal burning were observed to lead to increased reliance on subsistence farming and habitat destruction. Other environmental stresses, including changes in temperature and precipitation due to climate variability, increased the vulnerability of biodiversity. Despite these challenges, many respondents reported being satisfied with existing conservation activities, particularly in Kanyenja village (80.0%). Discussion The discussion highlights the importance of integrating conservation policies and recommends collaborative management, climate-smart agriculture, alternative energy use and livelihood diversification to ensure conservation success.