In Search of The Natal Midlands Dwarf Chameleon

The Midlands dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion thamnobates) is probably one of the most impressive chameleons in South Africa. Their jagged dragon like features and diversity of color forms make it such a rewarding chameleon to find. I have found this species before in February 2017, it was the third chameleon species of my project.
As I have mentioned on some of the previous Chameleon project films, we try to combine these self funded chameleon trips with work trips, in order for the project to be sustainable. This trip in December 2017 was no different, my wife and I had a shoot near Winterton so we started off in the Drakensberg area searching for the Drakensberg Dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion dracomontanum). After 4 nights of searching at three different locations, in the rain the trip was rather unsuccessful. I did not find any adult chameleons. However I did find over 40 baby Drakensberg dwarf chameleons. I was disappointed that I could not film due to the weather, and the lack of adult specimens. My only comfort was that this took my tally up to 12 species of chameleons in 12 months.
After our disappointing time in the Drakensberg we only had two days left to salvage the trip.
With the weather not looking like it would improve over the next few days I opted for the safe choice, and decided to revisit the midlands to film the Midlands dwarf chameleon instead of searching for chameleons I have not yet found before.
It was only a few hours drive from Monk's Cowl in the Drakensberg to the Midlands and we arrived late afternoon. Although there was a light drizzle and lots of mist I found plenty of good looking chameleons in a short amount of time. I spent the next day photographing and filming the chameleons, getting some drone shots when the sun made a brief appearance and recording audio.
I will definitely visit the midlands again, and I am looking forward to filming these magnificent chameleons again in the near future.
JF

[@glbalchameleonsandexoticsp9055]

Very beautiful species

[@philanimthombeni7887]

Nice photographic work, I run the largest Dwarf chameleons Breeding company in South Africa.
It's amazing how these animals can survive snow as it's snowing a lot in Midlands

[@Pumilio123]

Hey Philani, which species are you keeping?