As a guiding team, we know all too well that magic in the bush isn’t only reserved for leopards, lions, or elephants. If you slow down and look closely, the smaller moments often leave the deepest impression. I suppose the privilege we have is that we end up witnessing many of these unique moments. A perfect example is an incredible sighting I had not so long ago of mating flap-necked chameleons.
Flap-necked chameleons are primarily arboreal, meaning that they live, hunt, eat and sleep in trees. Understandably, this is where they are best camouflaged and safest. There are only a few reasons why one would see a chameleon on the ground or crossing a road, namely, a need to change habitats, seeking out a mate, or searching for a suitable spot to lay its eggs.
Moments That Take Your Breath Away
Driving around a corner, we noticed something emerald green in the road, and as we got closer, we realised exactly what it was. It was the kind of moment that really had us rather excited. We stopped, switched off and quickly scrambled out of the Land Rover to get a closer view. Being masters of disguise and camouflage, you can imagine my excitement to come across this rare encounter! Although out of the vehicle, we were extremely careful not to impose or impact what was unfolding.
Kings of Camouflage
Flap-necked chameleons are seldom seen at the best of times. Their slow, deliberate movements and remarkable camouflage allow them to blend seamlessly into the vegetation. Seeing two together is unusual enough. To find them engaged in such a brief and vulnerable part of their life cycle felt genuinely special.
There was no display or drama. Just two animals focused on the task at hand, while the world carried on around them. In the wild, mating is rarely theatrical. It’s purposeful, efficient, and often over quickly.
Whats Next
Once mating is complete, the female will go her own way. In the weeks that follow, she will begin developing eggs internally before searching for a suitable site to lay them. This is usually a patch of soft sand or soil where she can dig a burrow deep enough to protect the clutch, normally about 20cm deep. After laying, the eggs are carefully covered, and from that moment on, they are left entirely to the environment. There is no parental care. Temperature and moisture will determine how long they incubate. It can often be several months before tiny chameleons emerge fully independent from the start.
A pair of mating chameleons. A sighting that someone else captured, but interesting to see the size difference between the male and female.
Risking it All
Mating is a risky time for both animals, especially considering they had made the mistake of engaging in this in the middle of the road. Their focus narrows, awareness drops, and their camouflage is not always enough. It’s a reminder that even the most perfectly adapted creatures must occasionally accept exposure for the species to continue.
What struck me most was how easily this moment could have been missed. A quicker drive, a glance in the wrong direction and it would have slipped past unnoticed. Sightings like this reward those willing to slow down and look carefully.
The Smaller Things
We watched briefly, then moved on, leaving them undisturbed. The light softened, insects hummed, and the bush settled back into its usual rhythm. A quiet interaction, rarely seen and a powerful reminder that the bush is alive with stories unfolding all the time, whether we notice them or not.
Is the gender of the young affected by the incubation temperature?
Hi,
Flap-necked chameleons don’t change sex based on temperature. Their sex is set by genetics from the start. What temperature does change is how well the babies develop. If it’s too hot or too cold, more males or females may fail to survive inside the egg.
What a great spot! I’ve watched anole lizards mating in my garden before. There was a lot of biting and twisting. The Flap-necked chameleons seem to have a more peaceful process. Lucky for them they were seen by your team and not a predator. I’m sure everyone will remember this one for a long time.
Hi Chelsea,
Its certainly quite an interesting affair! It really was a unique sighting.
What a wonderful experience, Nic!
It always fascinates me how rangers and trackers can detect chameleons that are so well camouflaged sitting in a bush.
In this case they were out in the open and- as you said- really in danger of being found by someone who could have killed them. Such a wonderful, special experience, though.
Hi Christa, its a bit of a trick of the trade. Incredible bit of behaviour to witness! Keep well.
Hi Nic, this is an exceptional view of the Flap- necked Chameleons Mating. You hardly ever see the Chameleons in the bush, what still viewing them mating. Very special indeed. The male is so much smaller than the female. With the tortoises it is the same, females bigger than the males.
Completely agree Valmai!
That had to have been the most incredible sighting for you and your guests, basically a “lifer” experience. Your photos capture the moment and serve as a reminder that it’s not only the big sightings that make a drive special.
Thanks Denise! Hope you are keeping well.