Drakensberg dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion dracomontanum)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Drakensberg dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion dracomontanum) (origin: The Drakensberg, South Africa (~1,500 m, mountain meadows and scrub)). Adult size around up to ~14 cm. Life expectancy ~3–5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Drakensberg dwarf chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
45×45×60 cm, well ventilated, densely planted.
Drakensberg dwarf chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 18–25 °C, basking spot 26–28 °C (slight), at night 8–14 °C.
Drakensberg dwarf chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (moderate).
Drakensberg dwarf chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: ~3–5 years.
Drakensberg dwarf chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 18–25 °C
- Night temperature
- 8–14 °C
- Basking spot
- 26–28 °C (slight)
- Humidity
- 60–90 %
- UVB
- Recommended (moderate)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 45×45×60 cm, well ventilated, densely planted
- Substrate
- Forest floor or coco humus, moss
Feeding
- Food
- Small crickets, flies, house crickets, springtails
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- up to ~14 cm
- Life expectancy
- ~3–5 years
- Origin
- The Drakensberg, South Africa (~1,500 m, mountain meadows and scrub)
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B — registration required; IUCN "Near Threatened"
- Brumation
- a cool rest period with cold nights
- Cohabitation
- Single housing (paired only temporarily). The reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or permanently confined to a corner. This applies to both sexes: two females don't work together either. Chameleons do not seek company, and an animal that constantly sees another eats less and becomes ill.
Notes
A live-bearing cool montane species that tolerates no heat. Cool nights and good ventilation are essential.
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Related species
- Cape dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum) – Intermediate
- Karoo dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion karrooicum) – Intermediate
- Robertson dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion gutturale) – Intermediate
- Knysna dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion damaranum) – Intermediate
- Natal Midlands dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion thamnobates) – Expert
- Black-headed dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion melanocephalum) – Intermediate
- Setaro's dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion setaroi) – Intermediate
- Smith's dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion taeniabronchum) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Drakensberg dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion dracomontanum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×60 cm, well ventilated, densely planted), substrate (Forest floor or coco humus, moss), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drakensberg_dwarf_chameleon, https://www.tyroneping.co.za/chameleons/bradypodion-dracomontanum/
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).