Chameleons have long fascinated mankind with their independently rotating eyes, their lightning fast tongues, and their attractive color changes. Over the past few decades, chameleons have been kept as a temporary pet, living from a month to a couple of years. Within the last five years, there was an increase in information about proper feeding,nutrition, environmental conditions, caging and breeding that led to longer life spans with individuals even over ten years old. The next five years should bring even greater successes in the areas of husbandry and breeding.
Panther Chameleon - Chamaeleo pardalis
The Panther, or jungle, chameleon originates from the northern part of Madagascar . They are the most colorful of the chameleons sporting an array of colors from green to blue to red. They thrive in warm, humid climates with a moderate seasonal fluctuation in temperature. In the wild, they live in scrub forests (up to 10' tall) and on the edge of larger forests. These chameleons are one of the species that are repopulating the areas where the rain forest has been destroyed. They are fiercely territorial, especially during breeding season. Their vibrant colors and hardiness are contributing to the increase in sales and captive ownership.
Veiled Chameleon - Chamaeleo calyptratus -
The veiled chameleon originates from the Yemen coast of Saudi Arabia . This environment is a mixture of extremes ranging the arid desert to the temperate mountains. Veiled's are generally a hearty species because they can tolerate either extreme; however, they do best somewhere in between. Amongst themselves, veiled's are one of the most aggressive species; but towards humans, they are one of the most docile species. These are the hardiest of the chameleon species and make terrific pets.
Jackson 's Chameleon - Chamaeleo jacksonii xantholophus
The male Jackson 's chameleon has three ominous looking horns protruding from his forehead. This variety of chameleon originates in Kenya , Africa . The jackson chameleon was recently introduced to Hawaii , USA and supports a thriving population. They are a true montane species coming from mountainous areas that have temperate days and cool nights. Therefore, they must not get too hot or too dry