Frugivory and Temperature‑Regulated Behaviour in the Knysna Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion damaranum

South African researchers have documented remarkable behavioural adaptations in the Knysna dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion damaranum), observed in a public park in George, Western Cape. Thirty individuals were studied over 142 hours, with six fitted temporarily with transmitters for tracking.

Thermal Behaviour

The study revealed clear temperature‑regulated responses.

• At midday, when temperatures reached 36–40°C, several chameleons retreated rapidly to shaded, lower vegetation and turned noticeably paler.

• At sunrise, with temperatures as low as 8°C, individuals moved slowly toward sunny spots to warm up.

• Feeding was observed even at 12°C, demonstrating tolerance of cooler conditions.

Frugivory

For the first time, frugivory was recorded in this species.

• Two individuals consumed ripe berries of Halleria lucida.

• Another was seen eating the flower of Clutia pulchella. Although rare — only a few events across 142 hours — these observations expand the known diet of B. damaranum beyond insects.

Significance

This study highlights the flexibility of Bradypodion damaranum in coping with thermal extremes and its occasional use of plant matter as food. Such findings enrich our understanding of chameleon ecology and emphasize the importance of long‑term natural history observations.

Reference: Tolley, K.A., Barends, J.M., Stanton‑Jones, W.K., Alexander, G.J. (2026). Natural history observation of the Knysna Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion damaranum (Boulenger, 1887): thermal extremes and feeding on flora. Herpetology Notes 19: 219–228.