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The Malagasy giant chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti) is endemic to Madagascar, where is the most widespread chameleon species. It has been recorded in all parts of the island at a variety of dry and wet sites at all elevations.. A localized population introduced into Kenya is probably extinct.

Considered the longest chameleon in the world (although exceptionally longer adults such as the Parson's chameleon – Calumma parsonii). This species reaches lengths close to 70 cm., and is also the second heaviest member of the family (after the Parson's chameleon). But, many specimens found are likely to be adults or smaller subadults. The helmet is high, with a pronounced parietal crest. Rostral ridges are present and extend to the tip of the muzzle, but do not connect. A lateral crest is present but poorly developed.

The most important diagnostic feature is the Crest Ridge, which extends to the vent and consists of 45 or more short, triangular spines with a regular space between them. Ventral and gular ridges are present, but they are not connected to each other.

The coloration in both sexes is usually gray or brown, although females are usually more showy and may show a red coloration on the head and limbs. But, females may be variable with a yellow or mottled coloration, and in some cases can be largely green. The pattern may include a row of four large circles of dark edges along the flanks., although a white line is absent in contrast to the Carpet chameleon (Furcifer Lateralis). There are often indistinct dark vertical bands on the flanks. The absence of a white stripe on the central part of the body is considered diagnostic, but see the warning in Taxonomy below.

The Malagasy giant chameleon belongs to a species complex consisting of three recognized species; However, the variation between populations and the wide distribution of both the Malagasy giant chameleon as of the Warty chameleon (Furcifer verrucosus) suggest that both may represent multiple cryptic species. In a population found by the author during fieldwork, animals assigned to Furcifer oustaleti (a diagnosis subsequently supported by Frank Glaw) consistently showed a small size, unusual coloration and pattern; Unlike in the F. oustaleti Typical, sometimes there was a white stripe in the central part. Since these animals coexist with the F. oustaleti Typical, it is not clear whether they represent a distinct population or species, or if this coloration and pattern is a constant feature of the subadults of this population.

In Madagascar, the Malagasy giant chameleon It is distributed in the coastal lowlands. It is found throughout the island, but its appearance in the eastern part of Madagascar is linked to relatively high temperatures. Being a species well adapted to the warm climate of the savannah, benefits from human changes to the landscape (deforestation). It is said that there is an abandoned population in Kenya (ngong forest, near Nairobi) and that a breeding population also exists in South Florida.

The Oustalet’s chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti), also known as Malagasy giant chameleon, leads a mainly sedentary life. Moves very slowly, or does not move at all, for long periods of time, allowing you to conserve energy and stay out of sight of predators, and also be himself a predator. When an insect passes, an unsuspecting lizard or small bird, his very long sucker-tipped tongue is launched to catch him. Language, which is loaded with springs and shoots forward like an arrow bow, can extend to almost twice the length of the entire chameleon.

Until recently chameleons were thought to be totally carnivorous.. Recently, Takahashi (2008) reported the first confirmed case of herbivory in the Furcifer oustaleti, who was observed to select and consume fruits from the bushes Grangeria porosa, Chassalia princei and Malleastrum gracile.

The maximum and average sizes of the layings are unknown, but it is known that females can put at least 61 eggs in a single laying, with a combined weight of 56 g. This registration is from February, but no other information is available on the length of the breeding season.

Gestation lasts a few 40 days and animals reach sexual maturity one year after hatching.

State of conservation ⓘ
Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

Apart from a small number legally exported as pets, the Malagasy giant chameleon is endemic to Madagascar, where it enjoys a stable population in various habitat types.

They are also found in a number of protected national parks across the country., but they are abundant enough across the country to earn the conservation status of «least concern«.

Chameleons are usually considered easily excitable animals. It is notorious that, in some particularly territorial species, the constant vision of a congener (for example, when two animals can be seen in adjacent terrariums) can lead to stress-related kidney failure and, Therefore, death! But, the Malagasy giant chameleon is a comparatively peaceful and quiet representative of the chameleon clan. Males do not get along with each other, and pregnant females are strictly solitary. But in terrariums large enough (a greenhouse is, of course, more suitable in view of the size of animals), these chameleons can be kept in pairs. The Malagasy giant chameleon it also shows this coldness towards humans.. Even if they are carefully caught in the hand, do not get too excited. The threatening mouth opening, that we know of many other chameleons, it only occurs with the Malagasy giant chameleon if you are provoked a lot. Field researchers say you can normally put a Malagasy giant chameleon on the shoulder; will stay there quietly for hours.

Since the Malagasy giant chameleon is comparatively common, the local population likes to take advantage of the voracity of these chameleons and put them in their gardens, where they eat unwanted animals up to the size of a mouse and thus keep them at bay.

To the Malagasy giant chameleon all the usual principles of chameleon care apply to you. This includes the need for relatively large feeding., What, However, is easy to satisfy for this species, since animals will eat all the usual food bugs, like crickets, domestic crickets, grasshoppers and zofas, as well as young nest mice; in the nature, small birds and reptiles are also eaten.

All insects that serve as food should always be sprinkled with one of the vitamin lime powders available on the market.

The need to drink water, which is also high, makes the care of chameleons always time-consuming, since most animals do not easily learn to drink from bowls. So, chameleons must be given to drink at least every other day with a pipette. But, there are some tricks to avoid it. Many chameleon caregivers use drip drinkers, of which a drop of water drips into a collection container placed underneath at intervals of 1-2 seconds. Chameleons recognize this simulated "rainwater" and drink. The most natural way to give chameleons a drink is by spraying the water that animals collect from the leaves of plants., etc. But this is also labor-intensive and can cause the terrarium to get too wet.. An elegant way is to install an artificial waterfall with a small aquarium pump. But, these systems are somewhat prone to failure and the pumps always break down – as in Murphy's Law- when you least need it, for example, during the holidays. A very clever way to make water move in the drinker and, therefore, that chameleons recognize it, is to aerate the container with an aquarium air pump available on the market. Simply hang the air hose in the bucket and adjust the air supply so that about two air bubbles per second come out of the hose.. A pleasant side effect of this method of watering is that it simultaneously increases the humidity of the terrarium, which should also be around the 70% of relative humidity for the Malagasy giant chameleon during the day; At night, humidity can rise up to 100%.

Due to their natural habits, the Malagasy giant chameleon can be classified as one of the easiest chameleon species to care for, as it does not react immediately with discomfort and subsequent illnesses if it gets too hot in the terrarium.

Daytime temperatures should range between 22 and 28°C, and under the spot they can rise up to 45°C. But, you always have to make sure that the animals can go to a relatively cool and well-ventilated place in the terrarium..

The female puts up 61 eggs after a gestation period of about six weeks. Eggs take between 210 and 280 days to hatch at an incubation temperature of about 28°C. Many breeders use vermiculite as a breeding substrate. Juveniles grow very quickly and reach sexual maturity at one year of age. In general, care and breeding are similar to those known Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis).

Although they are the largest chameleons, The "Malagasy giant chameleon" not necessarily one of the most expensive. You can find one in specialized stores for prices ranging from 150 – 300 EUR.

Oustalets Chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti) Hand-Feeding Watch this video on YouTube.	Furcifer oustaleti, Oustalet's Chameleon in central west Madagascar Watch this video on YouTube.

1. Malagasy giant chameleon, Oustalet’s chameleon, Malagasy giant chameleon (English).
2. Caméléon géant de Madagascar, Caméléon d’Oustalet (French).
3. Riesenchamäleon, Madagaskar-Riesenchamäleon (German).
4. Camaleão malgaxe gigante, Camaleão do Oustalet (Portuguese).
5. "Camaleón gigante de Madagascar", Camaleón de Oustalet (español).

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The Meller's chameleon (Trioceros melleri) can be found in Malawi, northern Mozambique and Tanzania.

The Meller's chameleon It is the largest chameleon on the African continent., large males usually reach 61 cm length, but some exceptionally large specimens are said to have reached more than 76 cm in length and have weighed 600 g..

Females are generally smaller than males., and have less developed dorsal and medial crests. The head of this species is relatively small in relation to the rest of the body and has a more elongated shape compared to other chameleons of its genus..

The Meller's chameleon it is stocky-bodied and has a relatively stubby tail one-third the length of its body. A low, scalloped crest extends from just behind the helmet of the head through the proximal half of the tail, and a sharp medial ridge runs from the eyes to the tip of its snout, bearing a single small horn. This chameleon has greatly enlarged occipital lobes. It has heterogeneous scales that vary in shape and size on various parts of its body and large, granular scales evenly distributed on the trunk and limbs.. In the gular region of the chameleon there are longitudinal rows of large, granular scales., one of its most distinctive features.

The spots and broad vertical bands on the chameleon's flanks range in color from brown, the dark green, yellow or even black. The basic coloration of this species is a deep green with white stripes, but, like many chameleons, can change its color depending on various circumstances. If they are fed or handled, may show black and white dots. when sunbathing, the side of their body facing sunlight may turn dark green or black, while the rest of the animal remains much lighter.

The Meller's chameleon has color patterns associated with stress. Mild excitement or stress is indicated by dark spots that overlay the reptile's normal color. These dark green spots turn to black specks as the chameleon becomes more disturbed.. Severe stress turns the chameleon first charcoal gray, followed by pure white trimmed with yellow stripes. One Meller's chameleon diseased may be mottled brown, grey, pink or white.

The Meller's chameleon it is a resident of the treetops of the bush savannahs, as well as from the summits of tropical forests. It can also occasionally be found near human settlements.. Here the altitudes range from 0 to 600 m.

State of conservation ⓘ
Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

The populations of Meller's chameleon are affected by the wildlife trade, and the species has been included in Appendix II of CITES to limit its effects.

These chameleons range from docile to moderately aggressive towards humans.. Often, require a great deal of taming before they accept people. Wild-caught can be more aggressive than those in captivity, since they are not used to people.

Usually, they are old enough to be self-confident and not scared of much. They are not used to many lizards being bigger than them. But, they can become aggressive when they feel threatened. They may hiss and try to appear large in an attempt to scare away predators.. They rarely do this with people, unless they are treated badly.

Despite the misconception, these chameleons do not blend in with their surroundings. On the other hand, its color change pattern is much more likely to be communication. These species of chameleons darken when they are angry and light up when trying to attract a mate.. You can often tell what your chameleon is thinking based on its color. It will probably cost you a bit, but in time you will learn to speak their language. This can help you determine if something is wrong.

just because of its size, they need large terrariums or should be kept in a greenhouse. In large terrariums they can be kept in pairs or in small groups of females.. Males are absolutely incompatible with each other. The terrarium should be designed with strong climbing branches and sturdy plants.

As they live in nature in the treetops, the terrarium must be well lit. Neon tubes or new T-5 neon tubes are suitable, that emit an extremely bright light.

Spraying briefly in the morning and longer in the afternoon, should try to get a 50-60% humidity during the day and a 80-90% At night.

Temperatures should not exceed 30°C during the day and can drop to 18°C ​​or lower at night.

These chameleons also prefer to drink water on the move, so it is advisable to accustom the animals to a dripper or install a small waterfall. A three-month rainy season, from March to May, simulates natural conditions and can have a positive effect on reproductive behavior.

Due to its large size, these chameleons eat important prey. They can even eat small birds in the wild, so you have to take it into account when offering them the right feeding insects. Giant cockroaches are usually a good option, as they spread further than most commonly available insects. You can also use hornworms and moths, since they are also quite large.

Grasshoppers and anything else that size is a good option. They can also eat smaller items, like the worms. But, these will not serve as sustenance, so it is better to use larger prey for the most part.

Feed them a few different prey items each day. For most chameleons, a smaller number of prey is better. are likely to be overweight. You need to feed them enough to maintain a healthy weight. Monitor your body condition and adjust food intake as needed.

It is advisable to supplement the diet of chameleons. But, are sensitive to excess supplementation, so it is essential to be careful with the dose. They need calcium without phosphorus a couple of times a week at least. A vitamin D3 may also be recommended, although it should only be used once a month. The intestinal load of insects is essential to ensure that they consume many vitamins and minerals, that are essential to your overall health.

These chameleons are a bit sensitive when it comes to their overall health.. Often, wild-caught chameleons arrive with injuries or other problems that were not originally expected. They often have parasites and are dehydrated. They can take a long time to regain their full strength.. In many cases, these chameleons are known as "lizards of 90 days", since many of them do not recover from their transportation ordeal.

You should carefully inspect your chameleon for any injuries upon arrival. The most common problems are loss and infection of the toenails.. Bites and scratches can also occur, but these are rarer. Can be treated with a multipurpose ointment, which should be enough for most wounds. In some cases, a visit to the vet may be necessary to treat the wound.

Parasites are a major problem in this disease. Periodic fecal analysis may also be necessary.. A heavy load of parasites can be dangerous for these lizards. But, you may want to wait until the chameleon stabilizes before using a harsh parasite medication. Sometimes, these chameleons do not survive treatment. You do not want to add additional stress to the animal's system.

Stress is the main concern with these animals. They can get stressed very quickly, especially after being imported. Stress can make them exposed to diseases, which can lead to illness and death. They need adequate housing with the correct temperature and lighting. You don't have to handle them too often., as this can also cause them stress.

Compared to other reptiles, these chameleons can be quite expensive. They usually cost between 150 and 500 EUR. Buying wild-caught chameleons is often not recommended. These are typically much less likely to thrive than captive-bred lizards. Usually, those caught in the wild go through a complex shipping process, they are disease carriers and have a high parasite load. For this reason, often have difficulty in captivity.

We recommend finding a local breeder if possible. These chameleons are not well behaved when shipped, so it is better to buy them locally. We recommend a breeder instead of a pet store, as this can reduce your cost. It also, you will be sure that the chameleon has been bred in captivity instead of being caught in the wild.

The breeder must allow you to see the enclosures in which the adults and babies are kept.. This will give you a good idea of ​​where the chameleon has been and the level of care it has received.

Trioceros melleri 2,0 Elefantenohrchamäleon Watch this video on YouTube.	Trioceros melleri group eating crickets Watch this video on YouTube.

1. Meller's chameleon, Giant one-horned chameleon, (English).
2. Caméléon de Meller, Caméléon cornu géant (French).
3. Mellers Riesenchamäleon, Riesiges einhörniges Chamäleon, Meller’s chameleon, Elefantenohrchamäleon (German).
4. Camaleão de Meller, Camaleão gigante de um chifre (Portuguese).
5. "Camaleón de Meller", Camaleón gigante (español).

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The Four-horned chameleon It was first described by the naturalist Gustav Tornier in 1899. There are three subspecies, including the nominal.

• Trioceros quadricornis quadricornis ( Tornier, 1899) – Southern four-horned chameleon.
• Trioceros quadricornis eisentrauti ( Mertens, 1968) – Eisentraut's chameleon
• Trioceros quadricornis gracilior (Böhme amp; Klaver, 1981) – Northern four-horned chameleon

The Four-horned chameleon (Trioceros quadricornis) only found in some land areas of Cameroon and eastern Nigeria; its range includes the western highlands, the bamboo massif, Mount Manengouba, the oku massif, the Bakossi mountains, including Mount Kupe, and the Obudu Plateau in Nigeria. In particular, the subspecies Trioceros quadricornis eisentrauti is endemic to the Rumpi Hills in Cameroon.

Like many other chameleons, the Four-horned chameleon it has a prehensile tail and simple claws on its toes. Usually, has four protruding horns, but sometimes two with up to four adjacent reduced horns are present;adults usually grow to 25 to 35 cm long. The Four-horned chameleon male has a prominent hemipenal bulge and gular beard, while some females have a horn or even two horns at the tip of their snout.

In general, the Four-horned chameleon has a presence extension of 13.300 km2 and an inferred occupation area of 1.000 km2. The species is mainly associated with relatively intact montane forests with little human activity, where it has a relatively restricted elevation range (1150 to 2400 m). Research suggests this likely reflects competition with other chameleon species rather than physiological tolerances.. The type locality of the species is Monte Manegouba in Cameroon

The species feeds almost exclusively on arthropods..

Reproduction: puts up 14 eggs.
Incubation period between 130-160 days at 18-25°C. Temperatures should not exceed 25°C.

Life expectancy: a few 7 years.

State of conservation ⓘ
Vulnerable ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

The main threat to this species is deforestation.. Agricultural development extends to the 1.700 m altitude near the village of Nsoung on Mount Manengouba, and the forest on the southeast slope of the mountain is rapidly disappearing. In 1995, forest degradation on the western slope of Mount Kupe had reached 1.200 m above sea level, due to selective logging for firewood and construction materials. So, future encroachment of human activities on the slope may pose a threat to this chameleon, which depends on a largely pristine forest and, therefore, likely to be at risk from forest degradation or clearing. Deforestation for cultivation and the burning of nearby grasslands to renew pasture for cattle threaten the species in much of its range..

Due to its small and fragmented distribution area and the numerous threats that weigh on the population, the Four-horned chameleon It is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Of the three subspecies, T. quadricornis quadricornis, T. quadricornis gracilior and T. quadricornis eisentrauti. The T. q. quadricornis is the most common, but the gracilior not uncommon. The T. quadricornis eisentrauti, on the other hand, not known (far as I know) that is in captive collections. It is even difficult to find images of the subspecies.

It is not a pet suitable for beginners.

terrarium size: individual storage is recommended. It is possible to keep the animals in pairs, but always pay attention to size and furnishings.
For single breeding: A terrarium of at least 100 x 60 x 120 cm..
The cages/flexarios they are just as suitable. Chameleons love fresh air..

During the day approx.. 20-25°C, local heating up to approx.. 30-32°C. Go down to at least 15°C at night. Better still lower. If a cool cellar is available, you can also spend the night there.

The humidity in the terrarium should range between 80-100%. In the morning and evening, spray the terrarium with warm water. But, Please, do not spray the animal.

Daylight fluorescent tubes and/or light bulbs.
To obtain sufficient UV radiation, We use a solar light 75 watts for hobbyists. Get a surrounding heating of about 25-27 °C and local heating up to 32 °C at the highest point of the terrarium. In this case, an additional daylight lamp is not necessary..

For us, pine bark and forest leaves have given good results, but it can be terrarium sand… The 30% of the terrarium soil must be kept moist at all times. The leaves of the forest serve as living food. to the piglets, for example, they like to crawl under, the leaves are moved by the animals and the chameleon can naturally search and observe the prey and then hunt it on its own.

Lots of climbing opportunities, branches should not be too thick or slippery and should be easy to grip with feet.
Privacy screen for the rear and side walls. In summer, we take a flexo to the garden.
For planting we use Ficus benjamini and ivy, bamboo and, of course, a trough made by ourselves.

house crickets, mealybugs, cockroaches, two-spotted crickets, zophobas, meal worms, wax worms, etc.
In summer, they go to a secluded meadow armed with a net and collect everything that crawls and flies. But it's better to do without roadside critters. We don't want to poison it!
Regular mineral and vitamin supplements are also indispensable in this case.
They only eat fruits and vegetables to cover their water needs.
The sprayed and dripping leaves are gladly used as a water source.

These Cameroonian chameleons ultra rare they are highly prized within the reptile community for their incomparable horns, its high dorsal crest, its coloration and scarcity.

Its price in the exotic animal market is around 200 EUR.

Four Horned Chameleon (Trioceros quadricornis) | Zeppelin the Uni-Quad and Eris Watch this video on YouTube.	Zeppelin the four Horned Chameleon (Trioceros quadricornis) makes a print | Zeppelin the Uni-Quad Watch this video on YouTube.

1. Four-horned chameleon, Eisentraut’s chameleon (English).
2. Caméléon à quatre cornes, Chamaeleo quadricornis (French).
3. Vierhörniges Chamäleon, Eisentraut-Chamäleon, Vierhornchamäleon (German).
4. Camaleão de quatro chifres, Camaleão de Eisentraut (Portuguese).
5. "Camaleón de cuatro cuernos", Camaleón de Eisentraut, Camaleón cuadricorne (español).

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The Senegal chameleon (Chamaeleo senegalensis) lives in large areas of West Africa, as Togo, Cameroon and Gambia.
It is also said to be present in Mauritania.

The Senegal chameleon shows no conspicuous special features.
hull is low, but the head is clearly separated from the trunk.
The scales on the helmet are larger than those on the body..
Body scales are homogeneous. A light side stripe runs from the chin to the anus. in addition, a slight longitudinal band runs from the armpit to the hips, but without reaching them. Males can reach a total length of 28 cm., of which the tail occupies about half.
Coloration consists of different shades of green.
Males sometimes show a more gray-brown color.

Its habitats are savannah and arid forests., but it is also common to find them in inhabited centers.

It is a kind of diurnal habits. It feeds on insects and other arthropods..

Due to its wide range and unknown population, the Senegal chameleon is classified as Least concern on the IUCN Red list. But, may be threatened by the pet trade

Mira, but don't touch. This is exactly how you should treat your Senegal chameleon. Once your chameleon has settled into its habitat, you should have as little direct interaction with him as possible.

On the other hand, you can tell how your chameleon is feeling based on its color change. If the chameleon is depressed, you will notice that its color is not so bright and vibrant. And if you're really upset, will turn brown and black. But when you see them bright and colorful, you'll know they're alright.

The Senegal chameleon is an amazing creature with some of nature's most unique abilities. And they are docile pets that are best left under observation. But that doesn't mean they're easy to care for..

Like all chameleons, Senegalese require a lot of time, energy and resources. You have to be very prepared to assume the commitment of having and raising one. As wonderful as they are, You shouldn't jump headlong into chameleon parenting without a bit of experience..

When you build your chameleon's habitat, you'll want to make sure he has plenty of room to move around and plenty of tree branches to climb on. We recommend that, in fact, build your habitat more vertically than horizontally.

the body of your Senegal chameleon is attuned to a very specific environment. And if you are going to raise a healthy lizard, you will have to do your best to reproduce those conditions. Your enclosure should have heat lamps strategically placed to allow for three different temperature zones:

• 30º: Sunbathing
• 24º: For the day
• 22º: For the night

You will also need UV lamps to help your chameleon stay healthy.. These lights are used to help regulate your metabolism, the appetite, and synthesize vitamin D. Vitamin D is exceptionally important for chameleons, as it helps strengthen your bones and joints.

If possible, you should spend time exposing your chameleon to direct sunlight for several hours each day. But, this is hardly possible. Thus, We recommend getting UV lights with timers that activate on a cycle of 12 power on hours and 12 off hours.

Chameleons are native to extremely humid climates.. And without that same humidity and level of hydration inside your house, they won't last long. But it is not as simple as putting a bowl of water in its enclosure..

They drink by licking dew and water droplets from leaves, so you will have to spray them several times a day. This can be done by manual nebulization (that is to say, with a spray bottle) or by automatic means. A drip system or automatic misting system is a good investment to ensure the humidity in your chameleon's enclosure stays high.

The Senegal chameleon lives on a diet strictly based on live insects. This means you will need to invest in an insect habitat to meet dietary requirements., unless you like to go to the pet or bait store every day.

It is also worth mentioning that these insects must be fed by the intestine.. This means that the insects must be fed special food that, when ingested, add more nutrition to your chameleon's diet. There is also a special calcium powder that you can put on the bugs to help prevent bone disorders in your lizard..

When you feed your chameleon, it is important not to put too many insects at once. Your lizard will not overfeed, which means the leftovers will be left around the cage. Dead insects will begin to decompose, making your chameleon more susceptible to disease. Live insects can also clump together and attack your chameleon. In any case, not good.

The Senegal chameleon well cared for it can be quite a strong creature. But, you may have a rocky start even when you first get it. These chameleons are usually caught in the wild. The shipping and transportation process alone can wreak havoc on their delicate constitutions.. Not only that, but their wild diet makes them more prone to parasitic infestation.

Your chameleon may already have a stress-related illness when you bring him home. The best way to care for him back to health is to make sure he has a suitable environment and give him his space.. Really, they don't want to be manipulated. That can complicate things even more.

One of the diseases caused by the stress of transport is known as dystocia. This occurs when egg-carrying females have depressed calcium levels or are too stressed and dehydrated to expel the eggs they are carrying.. Without the intervention of a veterinarian, it's a death note for them.

Another major problem your chameleon can suffer from is dehydration.. Although it is common for your new lizard to be dehydrated upon arrival, dehydration can also occur in long-term captives. That is why it is so important to put an automatic drip or mist system in your enclosure and maintain humidity.

Both males and females of the Senegal chameleon they are very similar in nature. Its color ranges from olive green to light brown., with more intense color bursts depending on the temperature, humidity and mood. Females tend to be slightly larger and more aggressive in this species of chameleon..

when you buy a Senegal chameleon, you should first try to find out if it was bred in captivity or not. Wild-caught chameleons are not as robust as those bred in captivity, and they may have diseases or disorders when you buy them. It is also not known exactly what they have eaten in the wild. This means they are more than likely to have harmful intestinal bacteria or parasites.. If you acquire a wild-caught chameleon, you'll need to take him to the vet for very regular fecal tests to ensure your lizard's gut health.

It also, you should be careful if you get a breeding pair. The females of Senegal chameleon can put up 70 eggs per year. at that rate, soon you will be invaded by chameleons. And many of them may not survive just because of the stress.

The actual base cost of a Senegal chameleon is of some 40 EUR. With that you already have the lizard. But we would be lying if we didn't tell you that owning a chameleon can be very expensive.. It's everything else that goes into raising a chameleon properly that makes them such an impactful addition to your portfolio..

Chameleons need very specific conditions to live and stay healthy. This includes hydration and moisture, temperature and even ultraviolet light. To meet these conditions, you will have to buy a combination of heat lamps, UV lamps, nebulizers and other control instruments. And you will have to have live food on hand every day.

Senegal chameleon (Chamaeleo senegalensis)-General information and care guide Watch this video on YouTube.	Cute wild chameleon, Chamaeleo senegalensis? Watch this video on YouTube.

1. Senegal chameleon (English).
2. Caméléon du Sénégal (French).
3. Senegalesische Chamäleon (German).
4. Camaleão do Senegal (Portuguese).
5. "Camaleón de Senegal" (español).

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The Carpet chameleon (Furcifer lateralis) is native to the island of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean, and its range covers much of the island.

Both males and females of the Carpet chameleon reach a maximum length of between 17 and 25 cm.. Males are generally green with a white midline and a series of dark bands extending from behind the head to the end of the tail.. Females usually have a heavier body and are more colorful (especially when pregnant), with dark bands and white or yellowish lateral ocelli and a poorly defined orange half-lateral stripe on a brownish background. The throat and lips of both sexes are usually scratched. These chameleons can change color and intensity depending on mood and certain environmental factors..

The Carpet chameleon is strictly arboreal, and especially likes small trees and shrubs. It is usually found at an altitude of between 600 and 1200 m, usually in areas of moderate shade and high humidity, with access to direct sunlight. This species has also infiltrated the cities of Madagascar, and performs quite well in the private gardens and shrubs of the parks.

This species, like most chameleons, is strictly diurnal. Usually, they spend the first part of the day warming their bodies by adopting a very dark coloration and exposing as much surface area as possible to sunlight.. once the desired body temperature has been reached, begin to hunt prey, activity that usually lasts the rest of the daylight hours.

• Males are very territorial and adopt a series of very elaborate postures., color changes and whistles to try to scare away rival males. They also scare away females that are not in a position to reproduce..
• The Carpet chameleon is a species that generally follows the same routine every day, to the point of sleeping on the same branch every night.

The Carpet chameleon matures in a very short period of time, and is usually able to reproduce by three months of age. Males are usually very territorial and usually try to attract females to their territory to mate.. Females deposit the clutches of eggs in a depression that they dig into the ground. Typical clutch size ranges from 8 and 23 eggs, and up to three clutches can be laid in a year. Incubation requires about six months at a temperature close to 24°C .

The Carpet chameleon is almost entirely insectivorous, and prefers insects that normally reside in trees or shrubs. Among them are most flies, grasshoppers and crickets, as well as various insect larvae. It is also known that adult specimens consume very small lizards and even small newborn rodents (in captivity). This species hunts its food with the typical chameleon style of slowly crawling through the branches of trees or shrubs., using their excellent eyesight to detect insects. When you select the desired prey, the Carpet chameleon gets as close as possible to its prey and catches it by quickly spreading its tongue (which may be equal to the length of the lizard), capturing the insect on the sticky tip and then quickly retracting its tongue

State of conservation ⓘ
Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

The Carpet chameleon is a relatively popular species in the pet trade, and most of the individuals available today are bred in captivity.

Without a doubt, chameleons help control insect populations in areas where they are common.

Currently, the Carpet chameleon is found quite well in its native habitat, and even seems to benefit from some degree of habitat alteration. It has proven to be quite versatile when moving to urban areas and establishing populations there..

The Carpet chameleon, formerly known as Chamaeleo lateralis, is a beautiful species in high demand for the pet trade. Wild-caught specimens that enter the pet trade are often in poor health when they arrive at retail markets., and mortality has been very high. Captive-bred pups are easier to keep alive. These animals seem to have a relatively short lifespan even under natural conditions., and few Furcifer lateralis live more than 3 years

Terrarium "Carpet chameleon" Furcifer lateralis Watch this video on YouTube.

The Carpet chameleon is reserved and shy, so it's not the kind that hangs on your shoulder. Once they are out of their habitat, can become stressed very quickly, which can cause a wide range of problems for your overall health.

These creatures prefer to be on a branch or trunk sunbathing in their enclosure. They move quietly from branch to branch, no need for space to climb. They like to stay out of sight, hiding under branches and inside hiding places.

How chameleons spend their lives in trees, you will need a terrarium taller than wide. You'll need a space that measures at least 45 x 45 x 90 centimeters for an adult—but more is always better.

The terrarium should be lined with gravel or clay granules for optimal drainage.

Like many other cold-blooded creatures, there must be several temperatures available in the enclosure. They have to be able to regulate their body accordingly..

• Sun area: 32º – 35º
• Terrarium top: 26º – 29º
• Bottom of the terrarium: 21º – 24º

Chameleons need leafy, healthy plants within their enclosure to climb and shade..

Some common plants for chameleons are:

Weeping fig tree (Ficus Benjamina)

Manioc

Rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis)

Hibiscus

Jade plant (Crassula ovata)

Before buying, you have to keep in mind that you will also be responsible for keeping your plants healthy, as well as your chameleon.

Yet Carpet chameleon loves hot and humid weather. Your enclosure must maintain humidity levels between the 50% and the 60% continuously. You have to put a hydrometer in your terrarium to control the levels.

Chameleons need lighting that mimics natural light and night cycles. They benefit considerably from double fluorescent lamps.

Yet Carpet chameleon loves all kinds of tasty insects.

Among the appropriate dietary options are:

Crickets

Mealworms

Cockroaches

Fruit flies

Beetles of beans

Juveniles should eat one serving of insects a day, as much as they can in one sitting. Normally, this supposes a total of some 12 insects a day.

Adults should eat every other day, and eat much less, approximately 6 insects per intake.

The Carpet chameleon can be a very picky animal and difficult to maintain. They are ultrasensitive to stress and the environmental environment. So, one of the main things you need to do is make sure your chameleon feels as comfortable as possible..

Before you take your Carpet chameleon at home, you have to find an exotic veterinarian in your area. You can't take a reptile to traditional veterinarians, since they do not have the necessary specialization to serve them efficiently.

These chameleons are susceptible to various diseases and problems.

These are the most common problems:

Stress

Upper respiratory infections

Metabolic bone disease

Dehydration

Egg retention

Stomatitis

Edema

Gout

If you notice any peculiar behavior or physical abnormalities, do not hesitate to take him to the veterinarian.

Reproduction of the "Carpet chameleon" Furcifer lateralis (Chameleon Carpet) with EGGS🥚😱 Watch this video on YouTube.

If you have no experience, you may want to avoid breeding a Carpet chameleon until you've had a few. Since chameleons are so difficult to care for, their breeding can carry even more risks.

But if you are familiar with the species, can try to breed.

A good recommendation is to wait for the female to lay her first eggs before mating.. After a few weeks, you can reintroduce the female with the male. The mating of a Carpet chameleon can last up to an hour, so when it docks, be patient and don't bother.

Sperm retention is common, which means that one breeding session can fertilize several subsequent clutches. After the females put their first clutch between the 8 and 12 months, remain gravid throughout their lives.

They can give birth up to 30 offspring at the same time after a gestation of 4 to 6 months.

The price of a Carpet chameleon may vary depending on several factors. But, the average cost ranges between 100 and 500 EUR. Sometimes, you can get lucky and find a person who wants to give their chameleon to a good home for free.

Keep in mind that you also need plenty of supplies to get started.. Don't skip the basics, as these are fragile creatures that need proper care.

For installation, including enclosures, the substrate, decoration, vegetation and diet, you can spend between 300 and 800 EUR.

Carpet chameleon (Furcifer lateralis) Care Watch this video on YouTube.	Furcifer lateralis Watch this video on YouTube.

1. Carpet chameleon, White-lined chameleon, Jewelled Chameleon (English).
2. Caméléon à bandes latérale, Caméléon-joyau (French).
3. Teppichchamäleon (German).
4. Camaleão do tapete, Camaleão de linha branca (Portuguese).
5. "Camaleón de alfombra", Camaleón de líneas blancas (español).

Content

The Chameleons belong to reptiles (crawlers) and they look like lizards: Have an elongated body, four legs and a long tail.

The smallest species only measure three and a half centimeters, the largest reach a meter.

Attention is drawn to the crest of the back and the protrusion in the form of a head helmet.

Some even have small horns in their nose..

His eyes are unmistakable: they are big, protrude from the head like small balls and can move independently in different directions. With them, some species can see clearly up to a kilometer away.

As the top layer of scaly skin is hard, can't grow. So, chameleons have to shed their skin regularly. To make it easier to shed your old skin, animals are often rubbed against branches or stones.

The Chameleons are perfectly adapted to living in trees.

They can grip well even in windy conditions because their hands and feet have been transformed into real tweezers.:

The toes and fingers are fused two by two and three by three.

The bunch with all three toes or fingers points inward, the two points outward.

The tail also serves to hold: can wrap the branches and additionally secure the animal.

That is why it is also especially stable and cannot break and grow back as in other lizards..

Males and females are distinguished by the heel spur: it is a process on the back of the leg that only males have.

One of Madagascar's best-known chameleons, for example, is the Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis).

Males come to measure between 40 and 52 centimeters, the females up 30 centimeters.

Depending on the area of origin, have very different colors.

Males are green to turquoise in color and have light stripes, sometimes red, on the sides of the body. Females are usually more discreet.

Although the Panther chameleon originally found only in Madagascar, it was also introduced by man to the islands of Mauritius and Reunion, located east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.

The Chameleons they are only found in the so-called Old World, that is to say, in Africa, Southern Europe and South and Southwest Asia.

Chameleons are arboreal: they stay mainly in the branches of trees and shrubs, sometimes also in the low weeds.

Species that live in regions where there are few plants are adapted to living in the soil.

There are some 70 chameleon species. On the island of Madagascar, off the coast of southeast Africa, lives a particularly large number of different species.

In a terrarium, chameleons live four to five years. It is not known how many years they live in the wild.

The Chameleons they feed mainly on insects.

His favorite food is grasshoppers, but also other insects and small lizards.

in the terrarium, feed them with insects, meal worms, caterpillars and earthworms. Larger chameleons even eat young mice.

Wild chameleons get water by licking leaf spray in the morning.

One of the most common chameleons in terrariums is the Chameleon of Yemen. It comes from a high valley (until 2.000 m) from Yemen, in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, where it lives in shrubs and trees.

The Chameleon from Yemen come to measure some 60 centimeters, females only a little more than 40 centimeters. But, animals kept in terrariums remain smaller.

The Panther chameleon it is also usually held in terrariums. Comes from the tropical island of Madagascar, where there are dry seasons every year. Thus, this species tolerates better than others fluctuations in temperature and humidity in the terrarium.

But like the Chameleons they are quite demanding solitaires, they are not animals suitable for pampering. It's best to keep them alone.

Males don't get along with each other at all, rather you can put two females together in a very large terrarium.

The Chameleons need a lot of space. The terrarium must be one meter long, one meter wide, at least 50 centimeters deep and, above all, high altitude, as chameleons like to climb.

The enclosure should be provided with many branches and plants. Normal sand is suitable as soil.

The Chameleons need heat: the temperature must be 25 at 32° C, and at night of 15 at 18° C. A special lamp in the terrarium provides the necessary heat.

Water should be sprayed into the terrarium once a day to keep the humidity high enough.

The Chameleons they should only be fed every two or four days. Receive crickets, flies, grasshoppers and occasional mealworms. Before feeding them, insects are sprinkled with a mixture of vitamins and minerals.

To drink, chameleons lick plant water or give it to them on a shallow plate.

The Chameleons they are solitary animals and live in trees because there they can camouflage themselves especially well. But, predators, such as snakes or birds of prey, they cannot be chased away by the play of colors. And chameleons can't run away quickly either.. Avoid attacks by camouflaging themselves: with its spasmodic gait, imitate leaves that move back and forth in the wind. This makes animals appear much clumsier than they are.: Chameleons make excellent climbers. They roll up their long prehensile tail, that is normally coiled into your body, around the branches; this gives them additional support.

With your climbing toes, cling to branches like tweezers. But, these lizards fall off the tree from time to time, but they do it on purpose: if an enemy gets too close, the dead are made and dropped. No harm is done in the process: inflate their huge lungs and thus cushion the fall, as if they had tied a thick pillow.

The Chameleons they are also quarrelsome loners in the mating season. This occurs when several males fight fiercely for a female.; but males and females also quarrel with each other, sometimes even during mating.

The females of chameleon put between 30 and 40 eggs. They have a soft, apergaminated shell and bury themselves in the hot earth.

After a few months – this varies by species and habitat- the young hatch.

They are immediately independent and hunt small insects. Some species of chameleons give birth to live young: here the eggs develop in the womb of the female of the chameleon.

To prevent too many from living Chameleons in the same area, the young quickly go out on their own and search for their own territory.

The young do not yet have a color as defined as that of their parents, but when they turn one they are already adults and can have their own offspring.

Chameleons usually sit quietly on a branch and be on the lookout for their prey.. If an insect gets close enough, catches him in an instant with his long tongue.

It is thickened like a club at the end and has two leaf-shaped lobes with which the prey is grasped..

This so-called tongue shot is so fast that it is almost invisible..

When the Chameleons males are "in love", are more colorful. Try to impress the ladies with this colorful show. In general, change color depending on your mood, and that in a few minutes. It's as if animals talk to each other in this way..

If they are afraid, for example during a fight over a female, many species change to black. This points to the rival: My opponent feels inferior and prefers not to fight. If, on the other hand, lizards are eager to attack, turn red. This then means something like: "Get lost or you'll get it!!». It also, animals change their skin tone based on temperature and time of day.

In the morning, adopt darker shades to warm up, because dark colors absorb more light and skin, Therefore, absorbs more heat. After a long, hot day, animals are rinsed to cool off.

For a long time it was a mystery how the Chameleons change color so quickly. Scientists discovered it just a few months ago: Tiny blocks of glass in the skin of lizards are responsible for the chromatic frenzy. When light hits these blocks, reflect it in color.

The fact that the color changes is due to the fact that the distances between the crystals change according to the mood of the chameleon. Yes a Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis), is relaxed, for example, the blocks are close together and glow blue. When the animal is excited, separate and glow red.