Chamaeleo. A genus of chameleons with various species and a distribution ranging from Southern Europe through to Northern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Asia and East to India and Sri Lanka.

For the purpose of this post, I will be covering only two of those species and the confusion of an indigenous species with and exotic species ultimately being sold as an exotic species.

Firstly the Flap Necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) an indigenous chameleon from Southern Africa and secondly;
The Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) an exotic species from the Arabian Peninsula.

There are various other species but for now, let’s focus on these two.

So how do we differentiate between these two species?
Initially seemingly difficult to the layman.
There are however one or two pretty obvious morphological differences to go by:

Both these species have a casque or helmet like structure, protruding from above the head toward the neck.

The Veiled Chameleon however has a much larger prominent casque than the Flap-Necked Chameleon

The Flap-Necked chameleon on the other hand has occipital skin flaps located behind its head and opening these flaps forms part of their threat display.

The Veiled Chameleon being an exotic species are readily available in the trade and can therefore legally be kept without a permit.
The Flap-Necked Chameleon on the other hand being an indigenous species require a permit from the relevant provincial nature conservation agency.

Unfortunately the Flap-Necked Chameleon is available not only from poached road side traders but also from some unscrupulous pet shops.
Illegal traders knowingly acquire them for trade and the unsuspecting buyer, not knowing the difference or the illegal keeper, simply not interested in being above board, partake in this illegal activity.

Now that you know the basics in terms of the morphological differences to help you distinguish between these two species, please don’t support illegal trade.
Once again, it IS illegal to keep, trade or be in possession of any of the South African Chameleon species without a permit from your provincial nature conservation agency.

If you see the Flap-Necked Chameleon for sale in a pet shop or any other source, please report it to your provincial nature conservation agency.

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