Blue Chameleon

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The exact number of chameleon species in Africa is unknown, as new species are being discovered regularly, particularly in forested areas. There are, however, believed to be around over 210 species throughout the world and the SSC Chameleon Specialist Group have found that over a third of these species are threatened with extinction. Madagascar, in particular, is home to around half the world’s chameleon species, including typical chameleons ( Chamaeleoninae) and dwarf chameleons ( Brookesiinae). Of the Madagascar chameleons, 52% are threatened, and 70% are considered threatened or near-threatened. Nineteen of these species are endangered, and four are critically endangered: the Belalanda chameleon ( Furcifer belalandaensis), the Namoroka leaf chameleon ( Brookesia bonsi), the bizarre-nosed chameleon ( Calumma hafahafa), Tarzan chameleon ( Calumma tarzan) and the Ambre Forest stub-tailed chameleon ( Brookesia desperata). The first section of this guide will explore chameleon species that are kept as pets. After that, wild species will be categorized by genus. Pet Chameleon Species The following species of chameleons are the ones you’re more likely to find in a pet shop or through a breeder. Each has its own unique traits and qualities, and all make excellent pets for lizard enthusiasts. Carpet Chameleon (Furcifer lateralis) Carpet Chameleon by Bernard Dupont Like the Brookesia genus, chameleons belonging to Furcifer are mostly endemic to Madagascar. Labord’s Chameleon a b c Dever, Jennifer (December 5, 2007). "Common Chameleon" (PDF). usfca.edu. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 3, 2015 . Retrieved January 9, 2012.

CB Reptile’s panther chameleons for sale include the option of buying a baby panther chameleon, a juvenile panther chameleon or adult panther chameleon for sale. We also have male panther chameleon as well as female panther chameleon from all panther chameleon locales including the most popular Ambilobe, Ambanja panther chameleon, Nosy Be and Nosy Faly. Tilbury, Colin (2014). "Overview of the Systematics of the Chamaeleonidae". In Tolley, Krystal A.; Herrel, Anthony (eds.). The Biology of Chameleons. Berkeley: University of California Press. pp.151–174. ISBN 9780520276055.Klaver, C.; Böhme, W. (1986). "Phylogeny and classification of the Chamaeleonidae (Sauria) with special reference to hemipenis morphology". Bonner Zoologische Monographien. 22: 1–64. I used to call my chameleon, not that he ever paid much attention but he did certainly look my way at times or on the odd occasion he had his eyes shut not long before bed he’d open them again if he heard my voice. 37. Chameleons are solitary creatures Although nearly half of all chameleon species today live in Madagascar, this offers no basis for speculation that chameleons might originate from there. [30] In fact, it has recently been shown that chameleons most likely originated in mainland Africa. [15] It appears there were two distinct oceanic migrations from the mainland to Madagascar. The diverse speciation of chameleons has been theorized to have directly reflected the increase in open habitats (savannah, grassland, and heathland) that accompanied the Oligocene period. Monophyly of the family is supported by several studies. [31] Another distinguishing feature of chameleons is those amazing eyes, which they are able to move in different directions and can “zoom in” on prey like a telephoto lens. This isn’t just really cool, it sets the chameleon apart from every other kind of lizard. A ground-living chameleon native to areas around Namibia, Africa and southern Angola, the Namaqua is one of the area’s largest chameleon species. The Namaqua grows to be about 10 inches long, and its tail is notably shorter than its body. It is generally gray or brown in color with lighter patches throughout, punctuated by yellow or red stripes around the throat. It also has large dorsal spines and a prominent casque. Owen’s Chameleon

a b c Anderson, C. V.; Higham, T. E. (2014), "Chameleon anatomy", in Tolley, K. A.; Herrel, A. (eds.), The Biology of Chameleons, Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, pp.7–55, ISBN 9780520276055 Native to South Africa and Swaziland, this species is usually found in forested areas located at high elevations on mountains or plateaus. Transvaals may also be found in deep gorges and stand out because of their bright colors, often displaying vivid reds and oranges. Namaqua Dwarf Chameleon At CB Reptile, we also work with the more common and less colorful veiled chameleon. Various species of veiled chameleons are available including the piebald veiled chameleon. At least not like you or I can. Instead, chameleons have a gland around their nose that they use to excrete excess salt. This forms a white crust around their nose that many people mistake for calcium. The chameleons are probably far older than that, perhaps sharing a common ancestor with iguanids and agamids more than 100 mya (agamids being more closely related). Since fossils have been found in Africa, Europe, and Asia, chameleons were certainly once more widespread than they are today.As UV light highlights certain aspects of the environment this ability is thought to be helpful to chameleons to spot other chameleons encroaching on its territory and, again, to see predators long before they see the chameleon. 28. Chameleons are sexually dimorphic

The Pfeffer’s chameleon is endemic to the highlands of Cameroon, Africa. There are currently less than a dozen known populations of this species in the world, isolated to remnants of forest lands. Continued forest degradation threatens remaining populations, and they are protected from capture or slaughter by the Cameroonian government. Four-Horned Chameleon While some authorities have previously preferred to use this subfamilial classification on the basis of the absence of evidence principle, [11] these authorities later abandoned this subfamilial division, no longer recognizing any subfamilies with the family Chamaeleonidae. [16] Chameleons can also eat a wide variety of plants and will particularly do so if their nutrition is a bit low. Larger species will also eat rodents and some have been known to catch small birds as prey. Only insects are recommended for captive chameleons though. 33. Chameleons can’t drink standing water Also called Marshall’s Leaf chameleon and Marshall’s pygmy chameleon, this species is found in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It is a small forest-dwelling chameleon, only growing to about 1 ½ to 3 inches long. Its name comes from the way it resembles a leaf when it sits still on tree branches. Spectral Pygmy ChameleonVeiled chameleons, which are also known as Yemen chameleons, can get fairly large – up to 2 feet! This species gets its name from the crest atop its head. It is also known for having beautiful, vivid patterning. The Veiled chameleon is a popular pet for reptile enthusiasts and can also be found in the wild. In fact, the Veiled chameleon populates many areas throughout Africa. If you keep one as a pet, it’s best to make sure it has its own enclosure, as the Veiled chameleon has a tendency to be aggressive and territorial when confronted by other lizards. Jeweled Chameleon Andrews (2008), "Effects of incubation temperature on growth and performance of the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus", Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part A, Ecological Genetics and Physiology, Journal of Experimental Zooly, 309 (8): 435–446, doi: 10.1002/jez.470, PMID 18512704 With the longest tail in the Bradypodian genus, the Knysna dwarf chameleon can grow up to 7 inches in length and has a prominent casque. This particular variety usually has skin color ranging from bright green to blue and displays purple, yellow, and even pink markings. Drakensberg Dwarf Chameleon This species is found in Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali and, of course, Senegal. It is usually olive colored, and about 9 or so inches in length. In this species, the female is generally larger than the male. Tiger Chameleon Which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense given most chameleons live in the trees and they don’t act much like lions! But the word chameleon is derived from ancient Greek.