Namaqua chameleon

Appearance

''Chamaeleo namaquensis'' is one of the largest chameleon species in southern Africa, and reaches up to 25 inches in length. Its tail is far shorter than its body and than those of other arboreal species of chameleon. This is an adaptation to its primarily terrestrial habitat. It has large dorsal spines and a prominent, pointed casque on the back of its head, however it lacks the neck flap of other ''Chamaeleo'' species.

Distribution

This Chameleon species occurs naturally throughout the arid western part of southern Africa, and is particularly common in the Namib Desert.
It is recorded as far south as Sutherland, in the Western Cape, South Africa, and as far north as southern Angola. In the furthest eastern edge of its range, in eastern Namibia, it overlaps with the natural range of its relative, the Flap-necked chameleon.

Within its natural range, it inhabits arid and semi-arid areas, such as Karoo shrubland, sandy desert and gravel plains. It is terrestrial, and is usually seen walking along the ground.

Status

Namaqua chameleons are listed as CITES II. In 2012, the filming of the ''Mad Max'' sequel ''Fury Road'' caused significant damage to Namaqua chameleon habitat in Dorob National Park and Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Reproduction

The larger female lays around 20 eggs which take about 100 days to hatch.

Predators

In turn, Namaqua chameleons are preyed upon by jackals, hawks, and eagles. Similar to other chameleon species, in areas near human habitation, it falls victim to introduced predators such as domestic cats and dogs.