Robertson dwarf chameleon
A species of South african dwarf chameleons Scientific name : Bradypodion gutturale Genus : South african dwarf chameleons
Robertson dwarf chameleon, A species of South african dwarf chameleons
Scientific name: Bradypodion gutturale
Genus: South african dwarf chameleons
Content
Description General Info
Photo By nicky , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Robertson dwarf chameleon, also known as the Little Karoo dwarf chameleon, (Bradypodion gutturale) is a chameleon in the genus Bradypodion. It is found in the dry Fynbos and Renosterveld shrub vegetation, in the centre of the Western Cape province, South Africa.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Appearance
Robertson dwarf chameleon are small, robust chameleons with a unique conical casque. Their skin appears scaly, exhibiting a range of green shades often speckled with brown. Dark lines extend from the eyes onto the distinctly compressed body. Both sexes possess a gular crest, but the males' is notably larger and more pronounced. This species' tail is prehensile, allowing for increased mobility in their arboreal habitat.
Behavior
Robertson dwarf chameleon are solitary and sedentary reptiles, usually found resting in vegetation and mimicking leaves for camouflage. Their predominant reliance on this passive defense mechanism characterizes them as sit-and-wait ambush predators. Notably territorial, their visually-oriented communication signals dominance to maintain boundaries. Robertson dwarf chameleon's survival adaptations include colour change for intimidation, mating display, and thermoregulation.
Population
Stable
Photo By nicky , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Chameleons Species
Robertson dwarf chameleon