Bradypodion dracomontanum
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
REPTILIA |
SQUAMATA |
CHAMAELEONIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Bradypodion dracomontanum |
| Species Authority: |
Raw, 1976 |
Common Name/s:
| English |
– |
Drakensberg Dwarf Chameleon |
|
Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Least Concern
ver 3.1
|
| Year Published: |
2010 |
| Assessor/s: |
Tolley, K. |
| Reviewer/s: |
Böhm, M., Collen, B. & Ram, M. (Sampled Red List Index Coordinating Team) |
| Contributor/s: |
De Silva, R., Milligan, H.T., Wearn, O.R., Wren, S., Zamin, T., Sears, J., Wilson, P., Lewis, S., Lintott, P. & Powney, G. |
Justification:
Bradypodion dracomontanum has been assessed as Least Concern as currently there are no declines in the population of this species. However, due to future threats of habitat loss and degradation monitoring of this species should take place to ensure that any future population declines are noted.
|
Geographic Range
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| Range Description: |
This species is found in the central Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal and eastern Free State (Tolley and Burger 2007). It is primarily found between 1,500 and 2,500 m above sea level (Branch 1998). Its extent of occurrence has been estimated as 11,000 km², with an area of occupancy of 5,500 km² (K. Tolley pers. comm. 2010). |
| Countries: |
Native: South Africa (Free State, KwaZulu-Natal) |
| Range Map: |
Click here to open the map viewer and explore range. |
Population
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| Population: |
There is no population information available for this species.
|
| Population Trend: |
Unknown
|
Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
This species is mostly found on bushes in the grasslands of the Drakensberg alpine zone. It is also known to occur in remaining patches of forest in the area (Tolley and Burger 2007).
|
| Systems: |
Terrestrial |
| Major Threat(s): |
Habitat degradation and loss due to overgrazing is occurring within the range of this species. Montane grasslands are being converted to exotic timber plantations, but currently this only comprises of 5% of the total land area. However, it is an attractive economic alternative for private landowners and may become a greater threat in the future (Zunckel 2003).
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Conservation Actions
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| Conservation Actions: |
This species is listed on CITES Appendix II. It is highly likely to occur in the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (a World Heritage and Ramsar site) (UNEP-WCMC 2006). Further research into threats and population monitoring are required to assess the impact that habitat degradation and loss is having on this species due to its restricted range.
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