EASTERN CAPE DWARF CHAMELEON
Chameleons are a fascinating type of lizard. There are approximately 160 species that come in a range of colours, most with the amazing ability to change colour. Chameleons have the most incredible eyes which are separately mobile and give them 360-degree vision. They also have wonderful quick-shooting tongues and unusual five-toed feet. Bradypodion (meaning "slow-footed") is one of six genera of chameleons within the "true" or "typical" chameleons (Family Chamaeleonidae).
They are native to southern Africa, and are sometimes collectively called South African dwarf chameleons. St George’s Park is home to the beautiful southern dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion ventrale) which occurs only in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It is also known as the eastern Cape dwarf chameleon. They are a relatively large species of dwarf chameleon and grow up to 14 cm. You'll find them in dense bushes and are thus very difficult to spot.
It has a very prominent casque on the back of its head and a long, beard-like throat crest. It lives in dense thickets and shrub, and is usually very difficult to spot because of its colouring. It adapts very well to living in suburban gardens, but domestic cats – being introduced predators – will usually kill all chameleons in the immediate area. Consequently, one should not bring chameleons into a garden which is frequented by cats. It gives birth to litters of between 10 and 20 babies in the summer.
Keep your eyes open for these interesting, but shy little creatures. You might be lucky to spot one in this beautiful park.