The population status of chameleons within Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar, and recommendations for future monitoring

Malagasy chameleons are threatened by the relentless pace of habitat destruction. Their great popularity amongst herpetoculturalists has also resulted in collection for international animal markets. Most previous fieldwork has focused on the compilation of much needed species inventories, but little attention has been given to estimating chameleon population densities. This lack of information prevents a reliable assessment of the effects of habitat loss and direct exploitation on wild populations. A simple and repeatable methodology for the monitoring of chameleon populations is therefore urgently required. The present study developed sun ey techniques based on distance sampling within an area of relatively undisturbed rain forest at Ranomafana National Park. In total 394 individuals from six species were recorded and population densities (+/- SE) of 27.2 +/- 5.4/ha Brookesia spp and 21.4 +/- 4.0/ha Calumma spp. were estimated using the computer program DISTANCE. The authors propose that monitoring of chameleons in areas subject to different threats should begin immediately using the methods outlined in this paper

Efficacy of Single Tocilizumab Administration in an 88-Year-Old Patient with Severe COVID-19 and a Mini Literature Review

The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could be associated with elevated inflammatory cytokine levels, suggesting the involvement of cytokine release syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by release of interleukin 6 correlated with COVID-19 severity and mortality. Targeting IL-6 with Tocilizumab treatment could be a potential therapeutic option for old patients. We report the case of an 88-year-old man with COVID-19 disease who presented at the admission with anemia, fever, oxygen desaturation (92%), and inflammatory syndrome (C-reactive protein (CRP) at 182.5 mg/L; reference range <5.0 mg/L). After remaining CRP level increase (206.6 mg/L), Tocilizumab administration led to rapid clinical outcome and resolution of his inflammatory syndrome. This case report represents a supplementary data confirming the efficacy and safety of Tocilizumab for COVID-19 in elderly patients