Bradypodion gutturale (Smith, 1849)

Nomenclature

Bradypodion gutturale (Smith, 1849), commonly called the Robertson chameleon, is a medium-sized dwarf chameleon.

Body Structure

It has a relatively robust build, a long prehensile tail, and can reach a maximum total length of 15 cm.

Coloration

Its base body colour is generally grey-olive, though individual colouration can vary.

Native Range

This species is native to the Western Cape, South Africa, where it occurs in the Little Karoo and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Range Boundaries

Its recorded range extends west to the border of the Cederberg mountains, east to Uniondale, and south to the coastal area of Robertson and the Agulhas plain.

Habitat Preference

Unlike many other dwarf chameleon species that live in forests, Bradypodion gutturale prefers fynbos vegetation.

Adapted Habitats

It is specifically adapted to dry fynbos and renosterveld, and can also be found in transition zones between these habitats and arid succulent Karoo.

Evolutionary History

DNA evidence indicates that this species likely diverged from forest-dwelling dwarf chameleons several million years ago, an event that coincided with the retreat of regional forests and the expansion of dry fynbos habitats.