( Log Out /  Since most chameleons live in forest areas, their toes are fused into groups of three and two. Reptile & Amphibian Presentations/Talks, Bradypodion atromontanum – Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion caeruleogula – uMlalazi Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion caffer – Pondo Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion damaranum – Knysna Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion dracomontanum – Drakensberg Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion gutturale – Robertson Dwarf Chameleon. Very cool! Almost all species have a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) between 15 and 40 centimetres (5.9 and 15.7 in). Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. So, it is able to run and launch out its sticky tongue, making it superior in the chameleon family. Chameleons of Southern Africa. While this may seem small and insignificant, it is rarely seen in any other chameleon. Let’s examine some of them: (1) Special feet. Two different coloration patterns in a Namaqua chameleon, a lighter one (photo by Hans Stieglitz) and a darker one (photo by Laika ac). These chameleons are highly prized by collectors and Namibia has a problem with these animals being illegally collected and exported, even to the extend where wild animals where being micro chipped to become traceable. Some of the abilities they possess are unlike any other. Bradypodion kentanicum – Kentani Dwarf Chameleon. COMMUNICATION . Description. Often seen crossing roads between sand dunes and gravel plains along the skeleton coast of Namibia, interestingly when they sleep they have been recorded sleeping grasping onto rounds in well exposed regions of the desert relying on their excellent camouflage. This chameleon can only be found in the southeast areas of Africa. If it didn’t learn to change color to keep cool in the day, it would fry in the desert heat. Gravel plains in Namibia and dry arid regions of the Karoo and Namaqualand in South Africa. It needs to be able to do this since food is scarce in the desert and it can’t afford to waist an opportunity. They are able to change color to camouflage themselves. From Namib Desert, Namibia. They use their feet like forceps and grip onto the branches. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. I may “borrow” this in the future for my creation blog. The Namaqua uses its color changing abilities to overcome this. Shifting between a light and dark brown and when at its lightest forms patches with darker greys. Namaqua Chameleon – Chamaeleo namaquensis Size: A large robust bodied chameleon reaching over 25cm. They are able to hunt prey by launching out their sticky tongues. If any other chameleon was put in the desert to survive, it simply would not last. God is almighty. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Species in the genus Chamaeleo are slow moving, with independently movable eyes, the ability to change skin colouration, a long tongue, usually a prehensile tail, and special leg adaptations for grasping vegetation.Males are generally larger and more colorful than females. The Namaqua can sprint in the sand and run down its prey. Once again, the Namaqua is completely equipped to handle life in the desert. The main function of chameleons colour change is intraspecific communication. Amazing design from the Grand Designer. Unlike the others, this chameleon is able to spread its toes. It is a specialized characteristic of the Namaqua. When harassed or cold they can be almost pitch black. Colour: Shifting between a light and dark brown and when at its lightest forms patches with darker greys. From Swakopmund, Namibia. This chameleon is perfectly equipped to catching prey in a tough environment like the desert. In contrast, chameleons, members of the Old World family Chamaeleonidae, have previously been classified as having low activity temperatures [2], being thermoconformers [3] and thermally passive [4], and in fact preferring low body temperatures [5]. Most scientists stick with the popular answer of evolution. This page was last edited on 1 August 2018, at 13:54. Like we just stated, the desert is cruel and doesn’t exactly give second chances. The Namaqua uses its color changing abilities to overcome this. They can also easily be distinguished as the Cape Dwarf Chameleon has far brighter colouration, with a lighter build, longer tail, and blunter nose and casque. Not to mention it had to learn to run. This species occurs along the coastal regions of the far west of South Africa. Habitat: Think of it like a “snowshoe” effect. A large robust bodied chameleon reaching over 25cm. Chameleons use different colour patterns known as liveries in some countries, which are changed in order to transmit information to other individuals of … Call: +27 84 492 2542 The chameleon turns darker in the shade, to absorb more heat during cooler nights, and turns gray during the day. But even with all of these abilities, there is one chameleon that stands above the rest. In the south, near Cape Town, its range slightly overlaps with that of the Cape Dwarf Chameleon, but the two favour different habitats. However, relatively few body temperature measurements have actually been reported for these lizards, and many of these are only anecdotal … If it wasn’t able to spread its toes, it wouldn’t be able to move around the desert well and certainly would have a very tough time catching prey. The Namaqua chameleon is quick at catching prey. Durban Like all other chameleons, the Namaqua chameleon changes the color of its body for camouflage. In … https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Namaqua_dwarf_chameleon&oldid=852957723, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Bradypodion melanocephalum – Kwa Zulu Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion nemorale – Qudeni Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion ngomeense – Ngome Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion occidentale – Western Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion pumilum – Cape Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion setaroi -Setaro’s Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion taeniabronchum – Elandsberg Dwarf Chameleon / Smiths Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion thamnobates – Natal Midlands Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion transvaalense – Transvaal Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion ventrale – Eastern Cape Dwarf Chameleon, Chamaeleo namaquensis – Namaqua Chameleon, THE LITTLE FIVE – INSIDE AFRICA CNN DOCUMENTARY.