Karoo dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion karrooicum)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Karoo dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion karrooicum) (origin: The Karoo, South Africa). Adult size around 9–12 cm. Life expectancy 4–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Karoo dwarf chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
50×50×80 cm for one animal — airflow matters more than a tight seal.
Karoo dwarf chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–27 °C, basking spot Basking spot 28–31 °C, at night 10–15 °C.
Karoo dwarf chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).
Karoo dwarf chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–8 years.
Karoo dwarf chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–27 °C
- Night temperature
- 10–15 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 28–31 °C
- Humidity
- 45–65 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 50×50×80 cm for one animal — airflow matters more than a tight seal
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches and flies in rotation, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 9–12 cm
- Life expectancy
- 4–8 years
- Origin
- The Karoo, South Africa
- Protection status
- CITES II — proof of origin required
- Brumation
- No winter rest; cooler in winter
- Cohabitation
- Keeping singly. Chameleons are not group animals: adult males are territorial, and females should also be kept apart because they can injure each other; an animal that constantly sees another eats less and falls ill.
Notes
A dryland species with marked differences between day and night temperatures.
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Related species
- Drakensberg dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion dracomontanum) – Intermediate
- Cape dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum) – 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 Karoo dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion karrooicum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×50×80 cm for one animal — airflow matters more than a tight seal), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork), 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: 8 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: einrichtungsbeispiele.de: Bradypodion caffer, Tragzeit 4-6 Monate, 5-15 Jungtiere, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradypodion, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Bradypodion&species=ventrale, https://www.adcham.com/html/taxonomy/species/bventrale.html, https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/bradypodion-husbandry-guidelines.99443/
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).