Data sheet chameleon
German name:
chameleon
Scientific name:
Chamaeleonidae
Origin:
Africa, Southern Europe and South and Southwest Asia.
Size:
2.5 to 60 cm
age expectation:
4 to 8 years
Behave
Lining:
Insects (locusts, mealworms, caterpillars, earthworms, flies)
Behave:
– Ability to change color depending on mood and time of day
– Slow, slightly jerky and rocking movement to fool enemies
– Tongue shot to catch bugs
– Increased vision (enlarged and sharper eyesight) as well as the ability to eyesight independently
Number:
single keeping
Difficulty level:
difficult, demanding housing conditions DrPrattDatta, Panther Chameleon, CC BY-SA 4.0
are chameleons reptilesthat as one iguana family (lguania) within the Scaled reptiles (Squamata) are to be seen.
Total there over 200 different specieswhich can be divided into two subfamilies: true chameleons (Chamaeleoninae) and stub-tailed chameleons (Brookesiinae).
Chameleons live in Southern Europe and South and Southwest Asiaas well as the whole african continent. Especially many species are on the island Madagascar to find.
They are excellent climbers and srather extremely sharp and wide (Prey can be detected from up to 1 km away). Chameleons constantly scan their surroundings and look out for enemies and prey. To do this, they move their large eyes independently of one another. This allows them almost one all-round view. If a prey has been discovered, it is sighted on with both eyes and thus perceived pin-sharp. The chameleon slowly approaches its target object and then hurls its trains to the catch in a flash. Insects stick to it and are thus drawn into the animal’s mouth.
Chameleons are also for their color change known. However, this is less used for camouflage, but rather to express the current mood and to communicate with fellow animals. The more colorful the chameleon, the more comfortable it feels. When threatened or in rivalry, however, it turns red or brown. The color of the chameleon can therefore be used as an indicator of its well-being and helps owners to better understand their animal.
acquisition and maintenance
Due to their rich colors, chameleons have become increasingly popular as terrarium animals in recent years. However, the maintenance effort for the sensitive animals should not be underestimated.
A reptile is acquired quickly and relatively cheaply. Before making a hasty purchase, however, it is essential to think about a suitable terrarium and the necessary technology (heat lamp, UV lamp, irrigation).
Reptiles are available from pet shops on the one hand and from various breeders on the other. The animal shelter can also have one or two reptiles ready.
requirements for the terrarium
tree dwellers
bottom dwellers
Floor space
3×4 KRL 6×4 KRL
Height
6KRL 4KRL
KRL = length from head to tail (head-to-body length) / empirical values / if in doubt, always make more space available if possible.
chameleons need lots of space. The size of the terrarium depends on the type of chameleon. However, it should be at least a meter long and wide, and most importantly high, as most chameleon species are avid climbers.
The enclosure should come with many branches and plants be equipped to give the chameleon sufficient opportunities to climb and hide. Sand, coconut fibers or earth are suitable for the floor covering.
The reptiles like it warm. The temperature should therefore be between 25 and 32 degrees, at night between 15 and 18 degrees. An automatically controlled heat lamp is required to achieve this. The drop in temperature between day and night is very important, as is the appropriate humidity in the terrarium. For a sufficiently high humidity in the terrarium fresh water every day be sprayed. In addition, one should not be missing UV lampthat keeps chameleons healthy and fit.
are chameleons loner and should be kept as such.
gender differences
Male chameleons are usually significantly larger than the female animals. Body shape and characteristics are also strongly dependent on sex within a species.
Example of a male chameleon Source – Pet-Portal.com
Feed & Nutrition
Chameleons mainly feed on insects and other arthropods. They look out for flies, mosquitoes, spiders, caterpillars, etc. In the wild, large chameleons can also eat smaller ones.
Daily feeding is not necessary. It is sufficient the chameleons every 2 to 4 days to feed. Before feeding it is advisable to put the insects in a Vitamin and/or mineral mix (especially calcium) to roll.
Chameleons lick water droplets off plants to drink. It is also possible to water them with a sprayer or pipette. However, caution should be exercised in front of standing water. Bacteria quickly collect here, to which chameleons can react particularly sensitively.
acclimatization and handling
Chameleons are not cuddly animals. They are suitable for owners who would like to watch their animals in peace.
They feel comfortable in their species-appropriate terrarium. Outside, temperature and humidity usually do not correspond to their natural living conditions. The animals should therefore only be removed from their terrarium very carefully.
frequently asked Questions
Are Chameleons Endangered?
There are over 400 different chameleon species in total, some of which are threatened with extinction. For example the popular panther chameleon from Madagascar.
How does a chameleon reproduce?
Male chameleons climb onto the females and slide their cloaca into the female’s. They pull out a hemiepes and insert it into the female’s cloaca. Copulation lasts between 2 – 45 minutes.
On average, female chameleons lay 30 to 40 eggs, which they bury in the warm ground due to their soft shell. Depending on the species and the habitat, the young hatch after a few months. These are mostly independent and go hunting independently.
Some chameleon species also give birth to their young alive. The eggs are already developing in the female’s abdomen.