KwaZulu-Dwarf Chameleon, also known as the Black Headed Dwarf Chameleon, Durban Dwarf Chameleon as some other common names.
Every time I post a picture on Facebook of one of these little guys, I always get folks commenting on how they have not seen one in so many years, and this is sadly quite true, as I have only ever encountered them in some of the last bushy areas on the Bluff. If you are fortunate enough to live near one of these areas, you may still be lucky enough to find them in your garden.
These Chameleons are listed as a Threatened species, and the main reason for this is due to habitat destruction and the fact that it’s only found in Durban and surrounding areas. My view as to why these beautiful creatures are no longer found in our gardens is because of our need to have a well-manicured, “pest” free garden. Unlike other lizards and even snakes, these guys are unable to get away when pesticides are sprayed, so unintentionally they are also killed. Cats and dogs are also a major threat to their survival.
This species of Chameleon is about 10cm in length and brown in colour, generally ranging between light and dark brown. They are much easier to see at night, when they sleep they turn a light yellowish colour which is easy to pick up by torch light.
The interesting thing about these Chameleons is that they are Viviparous, meaning the give live Birth. The female also only needs to be mated once in the Spring, to give birth to up to 3 clutches of babies in that season, averaging around 4 babies a time.
Pictured here is an adult, and also an example of the size of a Juvenile.
God Bless
Warren K Dick
