CapeNature has urged members of the public to exercise caution when rescuing wildlife displaced by recent devastating floods in the Garden Route, warning that chameleons should not be removed from their natural habitat unnecessarily.
The conservation authority welcomed community efforts to help affected animals following two weeks of severe storms that toppled trees and scattered branches across the region, but said rescue operations must be conducted with long-term ecosystem health in mind.
Only chameleons found on fallen branches or trees earmarked for removal should be rescued, according to CapeNature. Wildlife not directly threatened by clearing operations should be left undisturbed to support species conservation in natural environments.
CapeNature chief executive Dr Ashley Naidoo said disaster situations often trigger compassion from communities, but interventions must prioritise ecological responsibility.
“While we commend residents and organisations who have shown concern for wildlife affected by the recent storms, it is important that rescue efforts are guided by sound conservation principles. In many cases, the best action is to leave animals undisturbed unless they are in immediate danger due to fallen vegetation or clearing operations,” Dr Naidoo said.
The authority advised that small wildlife removed from fallen vegetation should be placed back onto natural growth as close as possible to where they were found, preferably on the same property.
Long-distance translocations – such as moving animals from Mossel Bay to George – should be avoided as this can harm local biodiversity and animal survival rates.
In cases where no suitable nearby habitat exists, or where animals have been rescued from garden refuse sites, individuals may be released in safe areas close to where they were found.
Chameleons play an important role in ecosystems and should remain in their natural habitat, including urban environments, CapeNature said.
The public can contact CapeNature’s George office on 087 087 3037 for guidance on where to take chameleons that cannot be placed in nearby natural areas.
