Transvaal dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion transvaalense)

Short answers

Transvaal dwarf chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×40×90 cm for one adult animal (densely planted, plenty of air movement).

Transvaal dwarf chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C (keep below 30 °C), basking spot 26–28 °C (moderate), at night 10–15 °C (temperate mountain climate).

Transvaal dwarf chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3; a UVB tube plus natural light, good ventilation).

Transvaal dwarf chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 3–5 years.

Transvaal dwarf chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–26 °C (keep below 30 °C)

Night temperature

10–15 °C (temperate mountain climate)

Basking spot

26–28 °C (moderate)

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3; a UVB tube plus natural light, good ventilation)

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×40×90 cm for one adult animal (densely planted, plenty of air movement)

Substrate

A humus soil or forest floor, dense planting (ficus), fine branches; mesh ventilation at the top and low at the front (high air exchange)

Feeding

Food

Insects: small crickets, house crickets, flies, roaches; dusted with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 14–16 cm total length (SVL ~7 cm)

Life expectancy

approx. 3–5 years

Origin

South Africa, the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo (the Wolkberg), forested mountain regions

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B – specially protected: proof of origin plus registration required; export from South Africa requires a permit; IUCN "Least Concern"

Brumation

Recreate a cool winter spell (a temperate origin): day ~15–20 °C, night down to ~10 °C, with reduced feeding and misting

Cohabitation

Keep them singly. Strongly territorial and aggressive towards each other – housing them together permanently leads to fights and stress. Only briefly together for breeding. NEVER keep males together

Notes

Live-bearing (litters of up to about 11 young, several litters a year). Pronounced territoriality; dominant males show strong red and orange colouring. Bradypodion in general are demanding to keep and breed; very good ventilation is essential. A common mistake: too warm.

Do you keep this species?

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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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Transvaal dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion transvaalense) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×90 cm for one adult animal (densely planted, plenty of air movement)), substrate (A humus soil or forest floor, dense planting (ficus), fine branches; mesh ventilation at the top and low at the front (high air exchange)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.