Learn about lizards: Flap-neck Chameleon

THE Flap-neck Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) is the most common and widespread chameleon species in the country, and it is one of the largest species too. It is one of two species found in the Highway Area, along with the KwaZulu Dwarf Chameleon (published on 2 August).

What does it look like?

The Flap-neck Chameleon is generally green in colour, with white markings on its side.

On the move, dark spots/patches may appear on the body, to aid in camouflage. These may also appear when the animal is stressed.

If they’re really unhappy they’ll change from green to yellow, or even turn almost completely black.

Including the tail, they can reach lengths of up to 30cm. The name ‘Flap-neck’, comes from a flap which they extend from their bottom jaw, usually bright orange in colour.

They generally use this to intimidate predators.

ALSO READ: Learn about lizards: Monitor lizards

Reproduction:

After mating in spring or early summer, the female will lay her eggs towards the end of summer (February-April).

When ready to lay, she’ll dig a hole in soft sand, using her oven mitt-like ‘hands’. Depending on the size of the female, they can lay between 20 to just over 50 eggs.

She’ll then cover them back up with soil and leave them.

The eggs may take up to 10 months to a year to hatch. Hatchlings are tiny, just a few centimetres in length. In their first few months, they’ll sleep at the tops of long grass for safety.

We once euthanized a large gravid (pregnant) female, who had been kicked around by some children. We performed an autopsy, and cut out fifty-two eggs. An impressive number, but a tragic loss, as the eggs soon went bad.

What do they eat?

And who eats them? Mostly grasshoppers, but any small insect could be on the menu. Snakes, various different birds and small mammals will feed on these chameleons. Large spiders may even feed on juveniles.

Did you know?

In the Zulu culture, the chameleon (unwabu) is often feared.

I have heard that, should you anger a chameleon, it is able to strike you with lightening using its long, extendable tongue.

This is of course not true, and its tongue is only used for catching its prey. The chameleon is a totally harmless creature, unless you’re a grasshopper.

Threats:

This species is listed by the IUCN as Least Concern, so it is not threatened by extinction, yet.

In saying that, their numbers have declined in many areas among suburbia, due to the obvious threat of habitat destruction.

They live in savannah and grassland areas.

Small pockets of grassland which once existed, have since been destroyed, wiping out any chameleons which would have occurred there.

This is an ongoing problem. Feral and domestic cats are another major threat to these reptiles.

*Please note: Many people catch and keep Flap-necked Chameleons, because of their cute appearance and loveable characteristics. This is the wrong thing to do, and please refrain from doing so. Chameleons do not do well in captivity. They become highly stressed and soon die. Also, some people may pick up a chameleon, and take it home to release it in their garden. Chameleons should not be moved far from where they have been found. Rather leave and admire them where they are.

ALSO READ: Learn about lizards: Dwarf Chameleon

What can you do to help?

Plant indigenous shrubs in your garden, and if possible, create a small, indigenous grassland.

If you want chameleons in your garden, you need to provide the habitat for them. Also, try to avoid using pesticides.

Encourage an insect-friendly garden, providing a food source for chameleons.

Report sightings of this species in the Highway area, by emailing photos and details to the research project, Save Our Suburban Lizards to info@durbanlizards.co.za.

For more information on this project, like the Facebook page (Save Our Suburban Lizards), or check out the website: www.durbanlizards.co.za.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.