Translocation of black‐headed dwarf chameleons Bradypodion melanocephalum in Durban, KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa

Abstract

The coastal population of the black‐headed dwarf chameleon Bradypodion melanocephalum is threatened by rapid urban expansion in and around Durban which lies in the centre of the chameleon population's distribution. Translocations of threatened species from urban development sites is a mitigation method that is used in various parts of the world. The translocation of B. melanocephalum largely by volunteers from a proposed light industrial business park to two neighbouring areas with partially restored habitats was eventually successful in one recipient area and unsuccessful in the other. The results suggest that translocations of B. melanocephalum from development construction sites to recipient areas will only be successful if adequate time and resources are available for: a) finding and securing suitable areas for habitat restoration; b) sufficient restoration of the indigenous vegetation in the recipient areas before the capture and translocation of B. melanocephalum from the proposed development sites; c) searching for, and capture of, all B. melanocephalum on the development sites, and; d) long‐term management of the restored habitat in a manner that does not result in significantly elevated mortality or dispersal of B. melanocephalum. Monitoring of B. melanocephalum numbers in the recipient sites, by at least two people per transect, is important to gauge the success or otherwise of the translocation. Monitoring can give insights into the controllable factors that have an impact on the numbers of chameleons, and provide suggestions as how to improve the management of the habitat.