Swartberg dwarf chameleon

The Swartberg dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion atromontanum) is a species of chameleon endemic to South Africa.^[4]

Swartberg dwarf chameleon
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Clade:	Sarcopterygii
Clade:	Tetrapodomorpha
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Iguania
Family:	Chamaeleonidae
Genus:	Bradypodion
Species:	B. atromontanum
Binomial name
Bradypodion atromontanum Branch, Tolley, & Tilbury, 2006[3]

Taxonomy

For many years a dwarf chameleon of undetermined taxonomic status was known from the Swartberg area. A subsequent phylogenetic study resulted in its description as a new species. Morphologically it can be confused with B. gutturale but the two species are allopatric.^[3]

Description

It is a small chameleon not exceeding 12 cm. It is usually a pale yellow/brown with greenish hues.^[5]

Distribution

It is endemic to the Swartberg mountains, Western Cape, South Africa.^[4] It occurs in the Swartberg Nature Reserve.^[3] It is also found at Groot Swartberg.^[5]

Habitat

Swartberg dwarf chameleon is arboreal and inhabits mountain fynbos habitat.^[3]