Chameleons of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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Nick Evans
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Joined: February 6th, 2014, 9:21 am

Chameleons of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Post by Nick Evans »

On Saturday, some friends and I went in search for a very special chameleon. It was the last of the chameleon species occurring in the province that we were yet to see. We saw it!
There's 8 Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion), including one yet to be fully described, which occur in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (our home province). Here are some of my photos of the whole lot.

We left on Saturday morning, and over 800km later, we returned home at 1:30, feeling happy!

Here it is!
The Ngome Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion ngomense).
A species seen by few, as it only occurs in a single forest, which is miles away from civilization. It is currently listed as Near Threatened.

Male
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Another male
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Females are pretty, but not quite as good looking as the males:
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My favourite Dwarf Chameleon,
Emerald Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion spp). This absolutely stunning species has still yet to be described. Just look at those gorgeous colours!

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Another seldom-seen species..
Qudeni/Zululand Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion nemorale). Near Threatened.
The weather was miserable on this occasion. Heavy mist had set in, and it was raining. Still, delighted that we managed to find it, and relatively pleased with my pics.

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And another...
Umlalazi Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion caeruleogula). This species is listed as Endangered.

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Another Endangered species occurring in the northern parts of the province, in coastal forests...
Setaro's Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion setaroi)

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Midland's Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion thamnobates)
I love this species. Their colour varies quite drastically, but nevertheless, those colours are always outstanding!

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Drakensberg Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion dracomontanum). This species occurs at very high altitudes!

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The one found closest to home, in Durban...
KwaZulu-Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion melanocephalum). The most plain-coloured one, but still cool.

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Finally, a 'non-dwarf' chameleon...
Flap-necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis). The largest chameleon in the region, reaching lengths of 30cm. They're quite common and widespread to, in other parts of the country. Very impressive chameleons!

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The hatching season started recently...
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Thank you for looking!

~Nick Evans
KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian & Reptile Conservation
http://www.kznamphibianreptileconservation.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KZNHerpConservation/
jgjulander
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Re: Chameleons of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Post by jgjulander »

Thanks for posting those fantastic photos. It is great to see new species and species not commonly seen. That is my favorite thing about this forum.
Justin
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herpseeker1978
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Re: Chameleons of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Post by herpseeker1978 »

Love the shot of the two together!

Josh
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BioNerds
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Location: Napier, Western Cape, South Africa
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Re: Chameleons of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Post by BioNerds »

Absolutely stunning, Nick. We are busy searching for the various Dwarf Chameleons in the Western Cape so we can really appreciate all the time, effort and joy that went into finding all of these beauties. Great post!
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Nick Evans
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Joined: February 6th, 2014, 9:21 am

Re: Chameleons of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Post by Nick Evans »

Thanks so much everyone :)
Really appreciate it.

@BioNerds- good luck! I look forward to seeing the pics :D Would be cool to meet up one day for a chameleon hunt!
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