THE first two months of the year herald some exciting developments in nature – its chameleon hatching season!
Nick Evans of the KZN Amphibian and Reptile Conservation said in the Greater Durban area, there are two species of chameleons – the Flap-necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis), which is the largest, and the KwaZulu Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion melanocephalum), a small brown species, who’s conservation status is listed as Vulnerable. Dwarf Chameleons give birth to live young.
The Flap-necked Chameleon, is usually bright green in colour, can grow up to 30cm long. They do not change different colours, like blue, red or purple, but they do go different shades of green, depending on their environment and moods. They are not listed as rare and endangered, as they are fairly widespread. But like with all wildlife, they are starting to become more scarce, especially in the Greater Durban Area.
RELATED: Palmiet’s CO has a passion for nature
The Flap-necked Chameleon lays eggs, unlike the Dwarf Chameleons. In early to mid-summer, males and females get together to mate. Towards the end of summer, the female chameleons will dig a hole 20cm-30cm deep, and deposit 25-60 small, oval-shaped eggs in layers. Afterwards, she’ll cover them up with soil, pat it down, and move off in search of food.
“After 10 months to a year inside the egg, and usually after some rain to soften the soil, the juveniles will start hatching out the egg, and make their way up to the surface.”
“They climb into the vegetation covered in sand, and at night time, they can be seen perching at the top of long grass stalks. They’re incredibly cute. You could even see two or three on one strand of grass,” said Evans.
He added that the little chameleons grow fairly quickly, but the numbers also drop fairly quickly. Hatchling chameleons are an easy meal for snakes, birds, large spiders and small, carnivorous mammals.
“It’s very sad, but it is nature after all. Their numbers need to be kept in balance. In saying that though, chameleon numbers have dropped drastically over the years.”
“Habitat destruction is their largest threat. They favour grasslands, which are becoming few and far between these days, and they are now the most threatened biome in South Africa. Domestic and feral cats are also a major threat to chameleons,” said Evans.
Evans has been monitoring a small patch of grassland in Westville for sometime now. This season, he counted 44 juveniles. A few years ago, he counted more than 70. He has also recorded hatching sites in a few different areas of Westville now, which is a great sign but said there is bound to be more throughout the Highway area and surrounds.
“Save Our Suburban Lizards was started mid-way through last year. It is an initiative of KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. The aim is to get an understanding of the current distribution of threatened lizard species in the Greater Durban area, but it is also to raise awareness, and to get the public involved in conservation. We are asking members of the public to photograph chameleons in their garden, should they be so lucky to see one, and to email the photo with details (address, date etc) to info@durbanlizards.co.za. These records are stored on a database, which will be shared with KZN Wildlife. We’re focusing on other species as well, and more information can be found at www.durbanlizards.co.za,” said Evans.
He urged residents to take note that chameleons are adored by many, which often means that they are taken out the wild and kept as pets. Wild chameleons belong in the wild, they do not do well at all in captivity, and don’t usually survive for long.
“Please, for their sake, admire them in their natural habitat, but do not take them home with you,” concluded Evans.
To get ‘virtually’ close and personal with a Flap-necked Chameleon watch the video below.
