Now you see me, now you don't!

There are about 200 chameleon species in the world. Some are as big as a cat, others as small as your thumb. In South Africa, we have 22 species – two are large and the rest are so-called dwarf chameleons. And scientists are finding new species all the time...

- SOPHIA VAN TAAK

Most of the world's chameleons are found in Africa and on her nearby islands.

Madagascar has the most species - more than a hundred! You can also find chameleons around the Mediterranean Sea, in a few locations in the Middle East, and in India and Sri Lanka. Almost all the species in South Africa are dwarf chameleons, found in localised habitats. But our two large chameleon species are more widespread...

Flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis)

This is one of the biggest species of chameleon worldwide - individuals can grow to 35 cm in length. It has a beard (also called a crest) that starts at its throat and runs along its stomach. When it feels threatened, it inflates its orange gular pouch to look bigger. It also has a flap behind its neck that it can spread. Be careful of this chameleon - it will bite you!

The flap-necked chameleon is usually a light yellow or green colour, with a light stripe and a few white spots along each side. It occurs in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and the northeastern parts of the Northern Cape.

Namaqua chameleon (Chamaeleo namaquensis)

This is the second-biggest species in South Africa and can grow up to 21 cm long. It has clear protrusions (called tubercles) along its back, but no crest on its throat or stomach. Its tail is short compared to its body and it's usually a dull green-grey or maroon colour. Its body is covered in spots, with four to five lighter flecks on its sides.