FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Cape dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum) has always been a creature of utmost interest and fascination owing to its mind-blowing ability to camouflage or color change by simply taking the color of its surroundings or the surface it sits on. Cape dwarf chameleon is a member of a family of six different types of chameleons and is generally found in the South African area known as the Western Cape, or more specifically, in and around the city of Cape Town. Cape dwarf chameleon, like other chameleons, uses its enormous tongue to catch insects to eat. Cape dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum) is a cold-blooded animal and generally thrives in river valleys and low-lying vegetation.
However, an interesting fact about this species is that in habitats with dense vegetation, chameleons grow to be larger and more vibrant in color as compared to those living in the open. Keep reading about the Cape dwarf chameleon, also known as Bradypodion pumilum. For more relatable content, check out these frilled lizard facts and thorny devil facts for kids.
Cape dwarf chameleon scientifically known as Bradypodion pumilum is a type of chameleon, that is, a group of organisms belonging to the Old World lizards. The dwarf chameleon is a native inhabitant of South Africa, particularly along the region of Cape Town. This species is known for its tongue size, which is sometimes as long as twice the body size.
Cape dwarf chameleons, scientific name Bradypodion pumilum belong to class Reptilia; that is, a class of organisms that are categorized for their creeping and crawling mode of locomotion and for the dry cornified skin, epidermal scutes, and scutes that cover the body of these organisms.
There are no exact details about the total population of Cape dwarf chameleon in Cape Town, South Africa. However as the species of these reptiles are categorized as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List, it can be assumed that their numbers are declining and there is a risk of extinction, thus necessitating help from all quarters for their survival.
A Cape dwarf chameleon generally is observed to live in the fynbos biome comprising woods with plenty of vegetation and trees. This species is almost exclusively found in and around Cape Town, South Africa.
A Cape dwarf chameleon thrives in habitats wherein there are plenty of trees and low-lying shrubbery called fynbos habitat. Therefore, Cape dwarf chameleon habitat consists of dense vegetation areas and forest cover from aerial predators such as fiscal shrikes allows their bodies to adapt to grow bigger and brighter. The color change that Cape dwarf chameleon goes through is entirely hormonal and involuntary.
Generally, members belonging to the species of Cape dwarf chameleon live in isolation. However, they interact with the other members of their species depending on their mood which these dwarf chameleons express by color changes.
There are no accurate details about Cape dwarf chameleon lifespan. However, in general, the average lifespan of these animals is short, ranging between 3-5 years.
The reproductive cycle in these ovoviviparous females (organisms that directly give birth to their young ones, which originates from the eggs that hatch within the body of the female) begins with a small courtship ritual during which the male dwarf chameleon express its interactive mood and interest by the display of bright colors and quick twitching movement of their head. However, if the potential female is disinterested, she switches to darker body shades, along with exhibiting a threatening position with their open mouth. Whereas in the case of mutual interest copulation takes place. Following fertilization, females give rise to about 5-15 babies.
According to the IUCN’s (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List, the Cape dwarf chameleon has been categorized and kept under the conservation status of Near Threatened species, owing to the small size of their population.
A Cape dwarf chameleon head is a bit curved and comes in various colors. Cape dwarf chameleons generally measure about 6 in (15 cm) in length and their tails are included in that length. A fact to be noted regarding Cape dwarf chameleons is that both male Cape dwarf chameleons, as well as female Cape dwarf chameleons, grow to be roughly the same size in the same habitat as the other. Their colors are variable and change as per their will, and according to their surroundings. Depending on whether it lives in dense vegetative areas, it can be extremely vibrant to look at or extremely dull in color if it lives in open areas with low-lying shrubbery. The young Cape dwarf chameleons simply look like scaled-down versions of the adults and nearly every chameleon differs in its bodily patterns. The Cape dwarf chameleon uses its feet and limbs to walk and to grab onto twigs, leaves, and so on.
Cape dwarf chameleons, more than cute, can be described as elegant and interesting to look at. The major charm of these reptiles is the fascinating display of color changes. They look extremely cute while licking raindrops or dew from the leaves.
The Cape dwarf chameleon makes use of its ability to change colors to not only communicate or speak with each other but also as a means of expressing their moods and emotions.
The average length of Cape dwarf chameleons including the dimensions of their tail is about 5.9 in (15 cm). Cape dwarf chameleon size varies between males and females.
There are no exact and specific details about the speed of Cape dwarf chameleon, however, they are known to be slow-moving reptiles.
A Cape dwarf chameleon adult weight is in ounces. It weighs roughly between 3-6 oz (85-170 gm).
There is no specific designation allocated to the members of Bradypodion pumilum species based on their sex. Generally, males are known as male Cape dwarf chameleons, while females are known as female Cape dwarf chameleons.
The offspring of Cape dwarf chameleon is referred to as a hatchling, neonate, or juvenile.
Cape dwarf chameleons are carnivorous organisms, particularly insectivorous. They use their telescopic tongue to feed on small insects like caterpillars, sowbugs and termites, or some bird species.
No, the Cape dwarf chameleon is not known to be poisonous.
No, the Cape dwarf chameleon would not make for a good pet. In fact, it is illegal to have these reptiles as pets. The prime reason for this is the fact that the population of Cape dwarf chameleon is declining rapidly, in fact, these reptiles are classified as a Near Threatened species by the IUCN.
Cape dwarf chameleons are sluggish reptiles. In fact, the genus name used in the binomial nomenclature of these Old world lizards, Bradypodion, is derived from the Greek word, which means slow foot.
The best way to attract chameleons to your garden is by covering the soil with a thick layer of compost, decaying leaves, and woodchips. This will attract various insects to your garden, and to feed on them, the chameleons will arrive.
A number of differences and similarities have been reported between a Cape dwarf chameleon and other chameleons. To begin with, regular chameleons are known as Mediterranean chameleons and this species is at least an inch larger than the Cape dwarf chameleon. Moreover, the common chameleon sports stripes along its side whereas the Cape dwarf chameleon is generally of one single color, free of stripes.
The most widely known reason for chameleons changing color is to blend in with their immediate environment as a defense mechanism from predators such as birds or snakes. However, this is not the sole reason chameleons change their colors. They make use of their morphing abilities to communicate their moods and emotions between species of chameleons as well as with their immediate natives. Chameleons can also change colors as a means to regulate their body temperatures.
This morphing ability is achieved by their natural pigments which are stored within tiny sacs in their body which can be triggered by their nervous system based on their need at that moment.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these marine iguana facts and sand lizard facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable cape dwarf chameleon coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.