Distribution Map:

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon – Bradypodion atromontanum

Size:
A small chameleon typically not exceeding 12cm.

Colour:
Typically a pale yellow/light brown with greenish hues around the tubercles along its side. The eye sockets are usually a vivid orange or red. The nape fo the neck is yellowish and quite distinct.

Habitat:
Found only in the Groot Swartberg and Swartberg Pass region, where it is restricted to montane fynbos, protea bushes and restio grasses.

Field Notes:
Having only being formally described in 2006, these chameleons are not often seen as the regions habitat and vegetation makes them difficult to find. These chameleons are well adapted to harsh climate and temperature range as thesis region may exceed 40 degrees in summer and have snow fall in winter. They may be seen slowly moving across dirt roads or occasionally seen by hikers, birders and wild flower enthusiasts.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.

Bradypodion atromontanum

Swartberg Dwarf Chameleon. From Swartberg Pass, Swartberg.