The cage interior should mimic the chameleon’s natural environment and the overall design should provide a natural flow to allow basking/shade sites and water/food access. Hardware cloth and window screens have caused foot damage to chameleons and are generally not recommended. The mesh size commonly used is 1/2 inch by 1 inch and is galvanized but may be purchased with a plastic coating. Also, glass enclosures promote a good place for bacteria to grow. If housed in aquaria, chances are that they will develop stress-related diseases such as upper respiratory infections. Glass aquariums may be used for juveniles but do not provide adequate ventilation. An ideal cage is at least 24 inches by 24 inches by 48 inches and cages should be taller than wider. They need to be housed in large enclosures and should not be able to see each other when caged separately.

Montane species – high humidity and cooler temperaturesĬhameleons tend to be territorial and prefer to be caged individually.Imported into Hawaii in the 1970’s and survived successfully.Jackson’s Chameleon ( Chamaeleo jacksonii xantholophus) Extreme environments – seasonal wadis to arid desert.Brightly colored males (greens to yellows).Geographic range: southwestern Saudi Arabian peninsula.Veiled Chameleon ( Chamaeleo calyptratus) Hardy species – repopulating deforested regions in the wild.Variable colors (red, green, blue, yellow, orange).

The following species are common in the pet trade and made good choices as a first chameleon. Therefore, prior reptile experience or reading would be beneficial.

Wild-caught or imported chameleons do not live as long in captivity and may only live for a few months to a few years.Ĭhameleons are generally best for intermediate reptile keepers.

Males are generally more colorful and possess ornate protrusions (horns) compared to female chameleons.ĭepending on species, captive-bred male chameleons generally live 4 to 6 years in captivity, whereas captive-bred female chameleons live only 2 to 3 years in captivity. The rest are located in the main continent of Africa with a few species located in Southern Europe, Southern Asia, and Hawaii.Ĭhameleons inhabit a wide range of climates from the edges of the Sahara Desert, to the alpine grasslands in the mountains of Uganda, and to the lush tropical rainforests of eastern Madagascar.Ĭhameleons range from a diminutive 1 inch to over 2 1/2 feet in total length. Over 150 species of chameleons are known today, with over half found on the Island of Madagascar. But they are demanding animals, especially in their captive environment. Chameleons are appealing in appearance and their mystical ways of changing color are fascinating.

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