Cape Dwarf Chameleon

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. Male and female Cape dwarf chameleons mature to similar adult sizes, reaching lengths of over 15 cm, including the tail. The newborns are normally a little longer than 2 cm in length and resemble smaller counterparts of the adults in appearance. Color variety, saturation, and pattern in adults can vary quite a little, with some appearing considerably more bright than others. Like the majority of chameleons, it has a prehensile tail and feet that are well adapted to grasping twigs. The feet also have tiny claws on the end that help with grip.

Chameleons are typically relatively slow moving, but they have a distinctive shaking that may cause prey and predators to mistake them for leaves. They are capable of moving up to a few centimeters per second when agitated. If challenged further, they may puff themselves up, hiss, drastically change their color, and bite. They do not have sharp teeth, so their bites rarely inflict more than a slight pinch.