Chameleons are fascinating reptiles known for their vibrant colors, unique adaptations, and complex behaviors. One crucial aspect of their care, particularly in captivity, is understanding their environmental needs. Chameleons thrive in cool and foggy conditions at night, which are essential for their health and well-being.
BEWARE THE PICTURES DEPICT WRONG PRACTICES - NOT TO BE FOLLOWED!!!
Upper row left to right: 1. Healthy wild male Chamaeleo zeylanicus with physiologically formed area between canthi rostrales, 2. starting proliferation of infection pressure in combination with mouth-rot in a captive female of Chamaeleo calyptratus, 3. skull of female Furcifer pardalis with clearly visible prefrontal fontanellas
Trioceros cristatus, a further established species in human care, originates from the lowland regions of Central Africa, including the offshore island of Bioko. Despite living in a warm tropical climate, it is important to understand that it inhabits the undergrowth of dense tropical forests and does not require high temperatures. In fact,...
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Veterinary medicine is a complex, interdiciplinary science, which to study takes many many long years and the profession requires a dedication to lifetime proffessional training and growth, driven by science and valid practice…
The tongue is one of the most vital organs for a chameleon. It has an incredible ability to shoot out over a significant distance to catch prey, which is then brought back to the mouth, crushed by powerful jaws, and swallowed. Chameleons have a very limited capability to adapt this mechanism for simply picking up food, making such a strategy...
Chameleons are generally rather sensitive and nervous animals, and as such, they really do not like to be handled. For them, a huge object (like a human) might be ignored if it does not move, and they may even consider it a "walking tree" and crawl on it without problems. More likely, however, they perceive it as a predator, since...
Some chameleons of the genus Trioceros have developed impressive anatomical features, which has led to the naming of their genus as the "three-horned" (Trioceros). Within this genus, having horns is primarily a characteristic of the males, which can have between one and six horns depending on species or subspecies. Among these, the so-called "true...
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Setting up the proper conditions for chameleons can be quite confusing, especially regarding temperature regulation. Many enthusiasts mistakenly assume that managing temperature is straightforward. However, misunderstandings about temperature and heat can lead to mistakes that result in discomfort, injuries, or even fatalities for the chameleons....
The respiratory infections in chameleons are very frequent health issues of captive chameleons. They are unfortunately often lethal, by the time symptoms become evident, it is typically too late for effective intervention.
Since the introduction of the Yemen chameleon to the collections of reptile enthusiasts, one question has persisted: Why do they have such large casques? As is often the case, people turn to science for answers; however, this quest for clarification often leads to a surge in creativity. Rather than focusing solely on factual explanations, many...
Oh my goodness! My chameleon is currently displaying a striking black color, lying flat like a disc, and positioned on its side!
Photo courtesy Šárka Votýpková
Gout has never been reported from any wild chameleon. But it is a common disease among captive chameleons, developing slowly from prolonged improper care and often remaining unnoticed for extended periods. This condition is primarily caused by inadequate husbandry practices, making it irreversible, untreatable, and potentially fatal. Preventing...
Despite numerous warnings, many amateurs, as well as professional commercial breeders, traders, and exporters of wildlife, continue a common practice traditionally used for snakes, which is also applied to lizards and even chameleons. Specifically, they transport these animals in thick cotton bags that are closed with a string at the top. This...
In a lush, verdant corner of a cozy home, a chameleon named Spike reigns supreme. Though he may occupy a spacious cage, his life is far from ordinary; it is filled with love, care, and dedicated attention that make him feel like royalty.
There is a persistent belief that high temperatures are essential for chameleons to effectively digest their food. Many veterinarians and enthusiasts often assert that low temperatures hinder digestion and recommend increasing temperatures when advising about husbandry and when administering medications. However, it's important to examine the...
Furcifer pardalis from Ambanja, at age 9 years old in the care of Anja Wochnik-Göbeler
These miniature dragons hatch in quite minute size: hard to imagine they have a heart, liver, kidneys, lien, brain, immune and hormonal systems...
All pictures courtesy Guillermo Núñez (Instagram: Instagram @vidacamaleonica)
During this time of the year (at onset of autumn), we often encounter changes of behavior of chameleons which make their owners panicking. If you observe any of the following symptoms, please don't panic and try to analyse the situation first and understand:
This is a Furcifer pardalis born in 2020. He was born without an eye and with a deformed jaw. He lived till adulthood.
Photos courtesy Guillermo Núñez (Instagram: Instagram @vidacamaleonica)
Meet Saul, the blind chameleon...
