Southern dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion ventrale)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Southern dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion ventrale) (origin: South Africa – the Eastern Cape, dry scrub). Adult size around 15–20 cm total length. Life expectancy 3–6 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Southern dwarf chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
45×45×70 cm (mesh / height).
Southern dwarf chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 19–27 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 12–17 °C.
Southern dwarf chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0).
Southern dwarf chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 3–6 years.
Southern dwarf chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 19–27 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–17 °C
- Basking spot
- 30 °C
- Humidity
- 55–75 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 45×45×70 cm (mesh / height)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, planting, fine branches, a rain system
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, flies
- Feeding interval
- daily to every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 3–6 years
- Origin
- South Africa – the Eastern Cape, dry scrub
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 10–12 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Chameleons are pronounced loners, and even the mere sight of another of their kind means constant stress — you can see it in dark colouring, refusal to feed and weakened defences. Males fight in earnest, and females are harassed by males. So screen neighbouring enclosures from each other as well. For breeding, introduce the female briefly, stay with them and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
Live-bearing, with a striking beard fringe. From drier habitats than B. damaranum – less humidity, but the same cool winter rest.
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Related species
- Drakensberg dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion dracomontanum) – Intermediate
- 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
What you need to start
To keep Southern dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion ventrale) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×70 cm (mesh / height)), substrate (Coco humus, planting, fine branches, a rain system), 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/Bradypodion_ventrale, https://www.tyroneping.co.za/chameleons/bradypodion-ventrale/
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).