THIS week, we take a look at the The KwaZulu-Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion melanocephalum).
In South Africa, we have a special genus of lizards, the Bradypodion (Dwarf Chameleons).
There are 17 described species in South Africa, seven of which occur in KZN, plus an undescribed species in the southern Drakensberg. In the Highway area, we’re lucky enough to have one of these chameleons living here, the KwaZulu-Dwarf Chameleon.
What does it look like? Unlike some of the other Dwarf Chameleons, our local species isn’t the brightest and most colourful, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t cute. As their name suggests, they are indeed a small reptile, with their body length only growing to about 11cm in length. They’re brown in colour, with a few distinct patterns.
If stressed, they’ll go a very dark shade of brown. This species used to be known as the Black-headed Chameleon. The name came from the appearance of a dead individual in a museum, whose head had turned black when it died. Chameleons do tend to go black when they die.
Did you know? Dwarf Chameleons give birth to live young. They generally give birth to between five and 14 babies. The newborns are tiny.
What do they eat? And who eats them? Like all indigenous animals, chameleons fit into the food chain. They feed on a variety of small insects, and they have many natural predators themselves. Snakes, various different birds, and even large spiders will feed on these little reptiles.
Habitat: KwaZulu Dwarf Chameleons can be found in a variety of habitats. They can be seen in forest areas, grasslands, and even on the reeds in wetlands.
Dwindling numbers: The KwaZulu Dwarf Chameleon is now listed by the IUCN as Vulnerable (vulnerable to extinction).
Their numbers have plummeted in many areas throughout its range, mostly due to habitat destruction. Domestic and feral cats also are putting a huge dent in their numbers.
