Wildlife
Cape dwarf chameleons are only to be found in the grasses and shrubs of South Africa's Western Province. There is a great variety in body markings and colours amongst individuals, from vibrant greens and yellows to dull browns and a light coloured stripe on the flank. The young of these active chameleons are born live and are identical miniatures of their parents. It's now thought that the once many sub-species are in fact entirely separate species.
Scientific name: Bradypodion pumilum
Rank: Species
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Eggless lizards
Chameleon babies are born live and ready to fend for themselves.
Bringing up Baby took a look at the various ways animals have of bringing up their babies. This clip gave an insight into the bizarre birthing strategy of cape dwarf chameleons. Unlike many other reptiles, they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Shown here are the miraculous first minutes of the miniature chameleons, from their first breath to the moment that follows, when their mother leaves them alone to fend for themselves.
Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.
The Cape dwarf chameleon can be found in a number of locations including: Africa. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Cape dwarf chameleon distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
The Cape dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum), is a chameleon native to the South African province of the Western Cape, where it is restricted to the region around Cape Town. As with most chameleons, its tongue is twice the length of its body and it can be shot out of its mouth using a special muscle in the jaw. This gives the chameleon the ability to catch insects some distance away.
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Ambush predator
Predation defence
Camouflage
Moulting
Ovoviviparous
Predator
Visual communication