About Bradypodion ventrale (Gray, 1845)
Nomenclature
Bradypodion ventrale (Gray, 1845), commonly called the southern dwarf chameleon, is also known as the eastern Cape dwarf chameleon.
Geographic Distribution
This species is found in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
Size
It is a relatively large species of dwarf chameleon, reaching a total length of 14 cm (5.5 in).
Morphological Features
It has a very prominent casque on the back of its head and a long, beard-like throat crest.
Natural Habitat
This chameleon inhabits dense thickets and shrubland, and is usually very difficult to spot due to its camouflaging colouring.
Suburban Adaptation
It adapts very well to living in suburban gardens, but domestic cats, which are introduced predators, will typically kill all chameleons in the local area.
Conservation Recommendation
Because of this, people should not move this chameleon into a garden that is regularly visited by cats.
Reproduction
The species gives birth to litters of between 10 and 20 young during the summer.
