WWF SA Dwarf Chameleon Biodiversity Project

Updated 8 April 1996

TRADE DATA FOR DWARF CHAMELEONS

CITES figures for S A dwarf chameleon trade for the period 1989-1993 are shown in the table below. These list a total of 172 individuals which were legally exported from South Africa. While there are obviously no details of any illegal trade, no rumoured or other evidence of such trade which would significantly increase these numbers has become apparent. Two other factors which should be taken into account are, (1) a single export of a personal herpetological collection which included some 40 specimens of dwarf chameleons (Lambiris, 1995, pers. comm.) and (2) the fact that a number of these exports were for scientific purposes or for zoological gardens. In view of these considerations it is apparent that the commercial trade in these chameleons from South Africa was not significant during this period.

Should the commercial demand for these species increase, the opportunity for meeting this demand through local captive propagation could be advantageous. While very few wild-born chameleons survive to adulthood (Burrage, 1973), efficient captive husbandry should ensure almost 100% survival and therefore greatly increase the number of individuals available for commerce while not affecting wild populations. To avoid problems of illegal wild collection, all propagation establishments should be under the control of the relevant conservation bodies. Chameleon hobbyists are showing increasing resistance to the purchase of wild-caught chameleons due to the veterinary problems these present in comparison with captive-bred specimens. As a result, captive-bred chameleons tend to fetch higher prices in commercial markets (source: various postings on Internet news group Rec.pets.herp 1994-1995).

Table: Numbers and potential value of dwarf chameleon exports from South Africa (1989 - 1993)
TAXON NO. POTENTIAL VALUE (US )
WHOLESALE RETAIL
EACH TOTAL EACH TOTAL
B. damaranum

B. dracomontanum

B. gutturale

B. melanocephalum

B. pumilum

B. setaroi

B. thamnobates

B. transvaalense

B. ventrale

 24

15

6

6

37

1

36

1

46

 40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

 960

600

240

240

1 480

40

1 440

40

1 840

 150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

 3 600

2 250

900

900

5 550

150

5 400

150

6 900

TOTALS 172 6 880 25 800

In comparison with the above Table, a total of some 247 138 chameleons were traded internationally during the same period. These had an estimated potential retail commercial value of US $12 444 005 and an export value of US $2 388 188. This shows that the trade in South African dwarf chameleons is insignificant by world standards with roughly 0,07% of trade in numerical terms and 0,21% of the potential retail value. The total of 172 dwarf chameleons in 5 years of trade gives an annual average trade of 32 chameleons per year which, almost certainly, will have little affect on their conservation. Nevertheless, bearing in mind their high commercial value relative to other chameleons, trade in these species could become significant in future years and should therefore be closely monitored, especially as to the precise geographic sources of all animals exported. This should enable conservation bodies to prevent over-exploitation of local populations to their detriment.

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