Natal
Dwarf Chameleons
The Natal
Midlands Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion thamnobates), also known under
the longer common name of KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Dwarf Chameleon,
is a chameleon native to woodland habitat in the Midlands area of
the South African province
of KwaZulu-Natal. Natal
Dwarf chameleons are found between Balgowan and Rosetta in the KZN Midlands.
Its length is 19 cm (7.6 in). They have bulbous scales of varying colors
scattered around the body. Their head crests are yellow, with white skin
on their throat. Males have a short orange stripe around the middle of
their body and red spotted eyelids, whereas females are brown with smaller
helmet-like protrusions.
They are very territorial, and must not be moved from where they are
found. They have live babies in June & December.
It is an endangered species. (Classified
as a Near Threatened species by the IUCN.) It is used in local folk
medicine.