Seasonal habitat utilisation and morphological characteristics of Chamaeleo dilepis on Telperion Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT Limited information on the habitat utilisation and seasonal activity of flap-necked chameleons (Chamaeleo dilepis) is available. We investigated habitat utilisation, seasonal distribution, and sexual dimorphism of C. dilepis on Telperion Nature Reserve (a privately protected natural area) in South Africa. Seven broad plant habitat units were surveyed for one year, which included a wet and a dry season. Plant species richness and species diversity, woody plant densities and canopy cover were recorded and analysed in each of the habitat units. Location, sex, age class and morphological measurements were recorded for located chameleons. Gravid adult females were found to be significantly heavier and larger than adult males, but no differences were found in size or mass for subadults. The occurrence of hatchlings was significantly influenced by rainfall, whereas minimum temperature had a significant influence on the occurrence of adults and subadults. Hatchlings occurred from mid-December to March in habitats associated with high shrub and grass canopy cover and low plant species diversity. Subadults were located from mid-March to the end of May in woody habitats and adults were located from the end of October until the end of May. Subadult and adult chameleons preferred dense woodland with high tree canopy cover and rockiness with high plant species diversity. The results of this study suggest that C. dilepis on Telperion have seasonal habits influenced by rainfall, minimum temperature and habitat structure.