The Knysna Dwarf Chameleon

The Knysna Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion Damaranum) is a species of dwarf chameleon in the Bradypodion ("slow footed") genus that is endemic to South Africa. It is a forest dweller, found only in a limited range in the afromontane forests near Knysna, South Africa, and in certain other areas. It gives birth to live young and not eggs. As with most chameleons, its tongue is twice the length of its body and it can be shot out its mouth using a special muscle in the jaw. This gives the chameleon the ability to catch insects some distance away. The normal habitat of Bradypodion Damaranum is dense, wet montane forest. this chameleon aslo readily adapts to living in gardens. However, the use of hedge trimmers and the introduction of domestic cats have caused the species th vanish from large areas. Its body is about 4 cm long but the total length, with the tail unfolded, is about 15 cm.