Sleep Soundly Chameleon

The aim of this study was to compare the density of the Cape Dwarf Chameleon in a vineyard at harvest (February and March) to other vegetation types in and around vineyards.

The 105 ha area was surveyed for chameleons during peak harvest season on two nights in February 2007. The scientists conducted their surveys at night using strong halogen spotlights, which made the sleeping chameleons appear as pale forms against the dark vegetation.

In the domestic vegetation, a total of 20 chameleons were found during the 2 surveys - and none in the vines - despite a 30% greater search effort there.

This part of the research (yes, there is more!) was concluded with the proof that the density of chameleons in the vineyards is much, much lower than that of those in the surrounding vegetation, and therefore the co-occurrence of a chameleon and an automated harvester is a very unlikely event.

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