There are fifteen recognised species of dwarf chameleons (Bradypodion, meaning slow-footed), found ony in South Africa. Five of these are endemic to the Cape Fold Mountains, which includes the Langeberg range. In addition, there may be several other undescribed species present in these mountains. Unfortunately, the geographic distribution of many of these species remains largely unknown, and their taxonomy, distribution, and diversity is poorly understood.

Most research work so far on chameleons in South Africa has focused on classifying the various species that are found. A leading researcher on dwarf chameleons, Dr Krystal Tolley of Stellenbosch University, has invited Wildcliff to participate in a study of the dispersion and genetic heritage of these fascinating creatures. This collaboration will be undertaken by Njal Rollinson, a Canadian researcher who will spend three months at Wildcliff studying these and other herptiles (see proposal).

In collaboration with Dr. Tolley, Njal will perform systematic searches for chameleons (in particular the Robertson Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion gutturale). These searches will take place in the evening when encounter rates are relatively high (Tolley and Measey 2007). Chameleons will be located, captured, and photographed. GPS coordinates will be taken and he will use a thick black marker to write a number on the underside of their belly. This should ensure (with some degree of error due to skin-shedding) that he can identify individual chameleons, which will ultimately provide preliminary information on the movement patterns of this species. Njal will also record detailed information on habitat features of every chameleon’s location (e.g. type of substrate, size of substrate, % leaf cover, etc.) and compare these data to random locations (where no chameleon was observed) using discriminate function analysis. This will allow us to identify whether chameleons are selecting particular micro (or macro) habitat features on the reserve, and our findings can be compared to other locations to determine whether habitat selection in B. gutturale differs among South African locales.

Njal and others at Wildcliff will also be on the lookout for other species of chameleon. One, the Knysna Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion damaranum), has been found in a forest west of Wildcliff, outside its normal range. Since the Knysna chameleon is a forest dweller, it's possible that we'll find one in the afromontane forest sections of Wildcliff.

Njal will obtain a tissue sample (for DNA analysis) from each individual by clipping a small piece of their tail tip. These tail tips will then be immersed in a preservative, and submitted to the genetics group at Stellenbosch headed by Dr. Tolley. The DNA data can be used to assess population and species divergence of chameleons in South Africa (Tolley et al. 2008).