About Bradypodion thamnobates Raw, 1976
Bradypodion thamnobates is a relatively small species within its genus, reaching a total length of 7.6 centimetres (3.0 inches). It has bulbous scales of varying colors scattered across its body. Its head crest is yellow, and the skin of its throat is white. Males have a short orange stripe around the middle of the body and red-spotted eyelids, while females are brown with smaller helmet-like protrusions. Beyond these consistent traits, this species shows considerable overall variation in colouration. The geographic ranges of populations of Bradypodion thamnobates from the Midlands and Gilboa Forest, and the range of the related Drakensberg dwarf chameleon (B. dracomontanum), still need clear delimitation, as their ranges appear to meet in eastern Lesotho and adjacent areas of South Africa. The Drakensberg dwarf chameleon is not closely related to the KwaZulu-Natal group of Bradypodion thamnobates, and no significant gene flow is known to occur between the two species. The Natal Midlands dwarf chameleon, the common name for Bradypodion thamnobates, is classified as an Endangered species by the IUCN. This species is used in local folk medicine.
