Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) is a species of
chameleon. It lives throughout the island of
Madagascar in a tropical forest biome. Male Panther Chameleons can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) in length, with a typical length of around 17 inches (45 cm). Females are generally much smaller, about half the size. Male Panther Chameleons are also much more vibrantly colored than the females. Coloration varies with location, and the different color patterns of Panther Chameleons are commonly referred to as 'locales', which are named after the geographical location in which they are found. Panther Chameleons from the areas of Nosey Be and Ambanja are typically a vibrant blue, while those from Diego Suarez and Sambava are red, green or orange. The areas of Maroantsetra and Tamatave yield primarily red specimens. There are numerous other color phases, and patterns differ between and within regions. Female Panther Chameleons generally remain tan and brown no matter what region they are from, but there are slight differences in patterns and colors among the different color phases. They are named because of how visious they are. they are the most visious of all the chameleons.
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Furcifer pardalis
Traits:
Adult length up to 20" Chameleons are best known for their ability to change color. This variable allows them to disappear into their environment and communicate with other chameleons. Chameleons are pets that are best viewed and not handled. Most chameleons are very territorial, it is best if kept singularly. All chameleons are similar in that they hunt with the use of a specialized eyes and tongue. The chameleon's eyes rotate independently of each other to allow them to focus intently upon their prey. Once they prey is in view (and within range) their sticky tongue has the ability to shoot out and select prey up to 1 1/2 body lengths away. Many chameleons will accept prey right out of their keeper's hand!
Temperature/Humidity:
The ideal daytime temperature for panther chameleons is between 75ºF and 85ºF. There should be multiple branches throughout the habitat to allow for the regulation of body temperature. Nighttime temperatures should drop down to 65ºF - 75ºF. Temperature fluctuations are absolutely necessary and their environment should never be hot and stuffy. Additionally, a basking area should be created on one end of the enclosure to maintain a local temperature of 95ºF - 100ºF. This can be achieved with a basking lamp and several climbing branches. The ideal humidity range is 50% or higher. This can be achieved through frequent daily misting.
Lighting:
Fluorescent ultraviolet light should be provided for 12 hours each day. The use of a timer will help to maintain an accurate lighting schedule.
Feeding/Watering:
Panther chameleons are primarily insectivores (diet consists mainly of insects). Items such as crickets, superworms, waxworms, butterworms, and small mealworms all make great food items. Something to remember when feeding your pet is the gut-loading of the insects. Insects are only nutritious as what they eat, so a diet of leafy vegetables (especially kale), squash, and sweet potatoes should be fed at least 24 hours before being fed to the chameleon. For calcium and mineral supplementation, the crickets should be dusted lightly once weekly with a mineral/calcium powder. Chameleons naturally drink off of leaves after it has rained. Misting the habitat each day will simulate natural rains and the chameleons will lap water from the leaves. You can also set up a drip system on top of the habitat that allows a single drip of water to fall every couple seconds. The drip system works best when the water falls onto a leaf allowing the chameleon to drink at their leisure.
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