Study

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

  • Published source details Armstrong A.J. (2008) Translocation of black-headed dwarf chameleons Bradypodion melanocephalum in Durban, KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. African Journal of Herpetology, 57, 29-41.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Translocate reptiles away from threats: Snakes and lizards

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Translocate reptiles away from threats: Snakes and lizards

    A replicated study in 2002–2007 in two sub-tropical urban sites with mixed vegetation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (Armstrong 2008) found that after translocating black-headed dwarf chameleons Bradypodion melanocephalum away from a proposed development, one of two release sites hosted populations larger than the release cohort after five years. During the first year following release, fewer chameleons were found than were released at both sites (site one: 35 released, 3–22 observed; site two: 15 released, 3–12 observed). Two to five years following release, 0–5 chameleons were observed at site one, whereas 10–59 were observed at site two. Chameleons had been observed in both sites prior to the translocation, but a survey of site two in 2002 found no chameleons. In 2002, sixty-eight chameleons were captured in a proposed development area, and 35 were released at site one and 15 at site two. A barrier fence was installed between the development area and release site one. Vegetation was managed in 2004 (both sites) and 2007 (one site, see original paper for details). In 2002–2003, surveys of the specific release locations within each site were carried out at night using a torch (site one: 10 survey nights; site two: 7 survey nights). In 2004–2007, one transect was searched in site one (7 survey nights) and three were searched in site two (7 nights/transect).

    (Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust