Bradypodion Occidentale or the Namaqua Dwarf Chameleon is a relatively large size dwarf chameleon native to the west coasts of South Africa and Namibia. It’s also known as the Western Dwarf Chameleon (Wikipedia). This chameleon thrives coastal vegetation in the coastal regions of Namibia and Namaqualand in South Africa hence its name.
This species is distinguishable from other dwarf chameleons due to its locale, its large size to which it can grow up to 16 centimeters in length and two to three gular grooves under its chin. The grooves extend from the tip of the jaw down to the chest and can appear in various colors such as electric orange, purple-black and bright yellow (Natural History Notes). The animal’s base color is a mottled grey or brown.
The species is listed in CITES Appendix II (Biodiversity.org) which makes its sale and importation controlled however there are no references in the IUCN Redlist.
References:
1) Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaqua_dwarf_chameleon
2) Natural History Notes – http://www.chamaeleonidae.com/Publications_files/Anderson%202013%20-%20Afr.%20Herp%20News.pdf
3) Biodiversity.org – http://www.biodiversity.org.na/taxondisplay.php?nr=2707
4) Chamowner’s Web – http://chamownersweb.net/chamfamily/bradypodion/bradypodion_occidentale.htm
Images:
1) Main image supplied by Javier Abalos Alvarez
2) Sub image supplied by Javier Abalos Alvarez