African Wildlife and Environment Issue 67

FAUNA, FLORA & WILDLIFE

South Africa is home to nineteen described species of chameleons, seventeen of which fall into the ‘Dwarf chameleon’ genus Bradypodion. Fifteen of those seventeen species are endemic to South Africa. The remaining two species fall into the genus Chamaeleo, which are much larger and more widespread species. KwaZulu-Natal CHAMELEONS

Nick Evans

it all about their appearance. They are an exquisite shade of turquoise blue. Physically, it does resemble the Midlands dwarf chameleon. Genetic DNA sampling should hopefully clear up its classification soon enough. We spent one night looking for this species, and we were rewarded with sightings of more than ten individuals! I couldn’t believe their colours. They’re simply gorgeous! Definitely one of my favourite species At high altitudes of the Drakensberg, there is yet another species of chameleon, the Drakensberg dwarf chameleon Bradypodion dracomontanum . It’s listed as Near Threatened, but fortunately for this chameleon, it mostly occurs in protected reserves in the Drakensberg Mountain Range. When our first specimen was found, we weren’t actually looking for it. It often happens that way, doesn’t it? We were in fact looking for Berg Adders Bitis atropos , a snake species which still eludes me. We were walking back down one of themountains we had searched, when all of a sudden, my friend spotted a chameleon crawling across the pathway. There was great excitement! It was such an unexpected treat! Later that night, we found nine more individuals, including babies. So, apart from its breath-taking natural beauty, the Drakensberg has some special, endemic creature to find.

hundred and forty-four in a reserve! Not a bad night out. The Midlands and northern parts of the province are where the other species occur. In areas such as Howick, Nottingham Road and Mooi River, one can see the Midland’s dwarf chameleon Bradypodion thamnobates . This must be one of the most spectacular species of chameleons in South Africa, with bright and vibrant colours! They’re quite large too, as far as dwarf chameleons go. They really look like little dragons, with the spines under throat and on their back. I have made a few trips to go and photograph this species, and I never tire of seeing them. On these trips, I have also seen some amazing frog species near where I find the chameleons, such as the endangered Long toed tree frog Leptopelis xenodactylus and the recently described Rythmic Caco Cacosternum rhythmum . This species is listed as vulnerable, mostly due to habitat destruction (agriculture and plantations). What’s sadder, in my opinion, is that this species is popular in the pet trade, particularly overseas. Their beautiful appearance means they’re wanted by many people, local and abroad. They are often illegally taken out of the wild and sold. This unethical deed is not just a threat to this species, but to most chameleon species as well. At higher altitudes, in the southern Drakensberg, a yet to be described species of chameleon occurs here, the Emerald dwarf chameleon. The name says

17 | African Wildlife & Environment | 67 (2017)