The night light brings the moths closer to its source, as the chameleon takes advantage and prepares to catch one.

The still darkness was only broken by the incessant shadows of moths that kept getting drawn to the single source of light. As they wheeled and turned, their fluttering grey shapes and forms danced ever closer and then away from the torch. Their frantic movements reflected against the silhouette of the beam as it moved slowly in search of its subject. Flickering briefly, but captured by its almost innocuous movement, the shape of a small hunter emerged from the shadows in the bush nearby.

Its prehistoric face and rotating independent eyes casually observed both the branch ahead and where a moth had landed in front of the inviting beam. As the chameleon gauged his position in complete silence, its one spread zygodactylous claw froze, then nimbly and ever-so-slowly it moved again, reaching a reasonable grip on the thinner twig in front. Now, within striking distance, both eyes turned to focus on the target. Without warning, its gapping leathery mouth widened, and a split second later, a long, sticky, protruding tongue accelerated across the space, hitting the unsuspecting moth perfectly between its open wings. Retrieving its welcome catch hurriedly back, its mouth snapped safely shut. After a few slow mouthfuls later, the chameleon froze, eyeing me as I observed it closer, and then, ever so quietly, withdrew back into the safety of his dark world.

Introducing the Cape Dwarf Chameleon

The Cape Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion pumilum, is a remarkable reptile native to the Western Cape of South Africa. Typically measuring around 14 centimeters in length, this medium- to large-sized chameleon can occasionally exceed this size in some regions. Its striking appearance is one of its most captivating features, with a colour palette that ranges from deep green to bright lime, adorned with vivid splashes of orange, salmon pink, and powder blue. In the fynbos biome, some individuals exhibit light brown or mustard yellow hues, showcasing their adaptability to different environments.

This species thrives in a diverse array of habitats. They are commonly found in both natural settings and areas with exotic plants, such as Port Jackson. Suburban gardens also provide a suitable habitat, particularly in the Northern and Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. Preferred locations include restio clumps, willow trees, and reeds near waterways, which offer ample cover and abundant prey.

Field observations indicate that the Cape Dwarf Chameleon is frequently seen in suburban gardens throughout the Western Cape. Their populations can flourish in areas where there is suitable vegetation and a plentiful supply of insects. However, they face significant threats, primarily due to habitat fragmentation and predation by suburban cats. These factors can severely impact local populations, leading to rapid declines in numbers within a few months.

Chameleons, including the Cape Dwarf Chameleon, are part of a distinctive and highly specialised group of Old World lizards, comprising around 200 species. These lizards are renowned for their ability to change colour, which serves as a mechanism for camouflage, communication, and temperature regulation. Their long, sticky tongues are adept at catching prey from a distance, while their independently moving eyes provide a wide field of vision, allowing them to spot potential food and threats efficiently.

A closer look at their physical characteristics reveals several unique adaptations. Chameleons possess zygodactylous feet, with toes arranged in opposing groups that enable a strong grip on branches. Their prehensile tails act as an additional limb, providing balance and stability while navigating through foliage. The laterally compressed bodies of chameleons facilitate movement through dense vegetation, and their head casques offer protection and may play a role in social interactions. In some species, crests or horns on the brow and snout add to their distinctive appearance.

The Cape Dwarf Chameleon’s swaying gait, which mimics the motion of leaves and branches in the wind, helps it remain undetected by predators. This behaviour, combined with their remarkable colour-changing ability, makes them masters of disguise in their natural habitat. Their projectile tongues can extend rapidly to capture prey, a fascinating spectacle often observed by wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.

Despite their fascinating adaptations and behaviours, Cape Dwarf Chameleons face numerous challenges in their natural environment. Habitat fragmentation due to urban development and agricultural expansion reduces the availability of suitable living spaces. Additionally, the introduction of non-native plant species can alter the habitat, making it less hospitable for these chameleons. Predation by domestic and feral cats is another significant threat, as these predators can drastically reduce chameleon populations in suburban areas.

Conservation efforts are essential to protect the Cape Dwarf Chameleon and ensure its survival. Creating chameleon-friendly gardens by planting native vegetation and providing safe environments can help mitigate some of the threats they face. Public awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in educating communities about the importance of preserving natural habitats and protecting local wildlife.

Researchers and conservationists continue to study the Cape Dwarf Chameleon to better understand its ecology and behavior. These efforts contribute to the development of effective conservation strategies and highlight the importance of biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Raw Africa Collection

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.