Have you ever thought about keep a color-changing Chameleon?
The vivid Panther Chameleon is beloved by many hobbyists because of its ability to change color, vibrant color shades and distinctive patterns.
The lizards that are slow to move are among the most sought-after pets of chameleons around the globe.
Despite their fame, this huge kind of Chameleon is difficult to handle in captivity, and is not recommended for those who are new to the hobby..
They aren’t aggressive or difficult to handle , however most have to endure the pressure of being held in captivity.
If you’d like to keep this beautiful species, read on to find out how to give them the most optimal care and the best places to buy them…
Panther Chameleon Overview
The term used to describe the Panther Chameleon is Furcifer pardalis and is sometimes referred to as”Jungle Chameleon” “Jungle Chameleon”. They are found in the northern and eastern regions of Madagascar.
The are by far the most sought-after pet Chameleon around the globe due to their unique characteristics and vibrant colors. Their eyes rotating, their slow movements, and a long tongue are only a handful of the traits that will grab your interest.
The Panther Chameleon population was exported from Madagascar through the 1970s, until their exports were banned.
Along with being exported into the trade in pet products,, they are also disappearing due the destruction of their habitats. It is now possible to purchase in captivity-bred leopard chameleons.
Unfortunately, many species of Chameleon don’t adapt to the life in captivity well. A lot of them die in the shipping process or soon after the arrival of their new family members due to anxiety or inadequate care. Lizards that live through the first four weeks of captivity have a better chances of surviving an additional two or three years.
Males are harder to find than females, which is why they are more expensive.
Many knowledgeable keepers have successfully kept Chameleons in their homes over many years. If you’re seeking your first reptile, then you’d prefer an African leopard gecko or bearded dragon.
The requirements for habitat for this species are extremely easy to meet.
They require a big mesh cage that offers plenty of space as well as branching to ascend. They also prefer humid temperatures and warm temperatures for reflection of their habitat. This species is an avid climber & has specialized zygodactyl feet. This means they have multiple toes in opposing directions, specifically two toes opposite three toes to help them grip branches.
Interestingly, on their front feet, the 2 toes are on the outside and 3 on the inside, but that is reversed on their rear legs with 3 toes on the outside and 2 inside.
What We Love about Panther Chameleons
Pros
- Unique slow-moving mannerisms.
- Bright shades of color.
- Quick-moving tongue.
- It is more durable than other species of chameleon.
Cons
- You can easily stress.
- Very difficult to breed.
- Hungry requirements that are complex.
- Life expectancy is short, and is cut even more in captivity.
Species Appearance
Panther Chameleons are extremely colorful and huge lizards. They can be easily identified by their colours
- Unique patterns and vibrant skin.
- Turret-shaped eyes rotating in a circular fashion that helps to achieve 360-degree vision.
- Zygodactyl feet that aid them to climb up branches.
Also, they have long tails they hold branches (i.e. prehensile tails).
Size of Panther Chameleon
Panther Chameleons are bigger than others types of chameleon.
Since Birth
As hatchlings, they’re tiny, measuring only 1 inch in length when they are born.
They grow quickly and attain sexual maturity around four to seven months. They’re fully grown at the age of one.
Male Panther Chameleons tend to be slightly bigger than females.
A fully grown male adult is a man with a body size between 12 and 20 inches. It weighs 140 to 220 grams.
Female Panther Chameleons
Females are slightly smaller at 8-14 inches in length , and 100 grams of weight.
The species is sexually dimorphic meaning there are distinctions between females and males. The obvious distinctions are that males are larger and sport more vibrant dark shades as compared to females.
Although there aren’t apparent differences in their anatomy, they have distinct sets of sexual chromosomes.
Panther Chameleon Colors
The color of skin is one of the most interesting characteristics about this reptile.
Some species might show a rainbow of green, red, blue, and orange while others may be two or three shades above or below these colors.
Green, red and blue are the most well-known base colors. They are also able to be shades of other colors like yellow and orange.
Each Chameleon’s skin is bumpy and is able to show patterns such as horizontal stripes, spot patterns, horizontal stripes, or some even “tiger” stripes.
There are a variety of shades of morphs and the most sought-after is the Blue Bar Panther Chameleon (pictured in the below photo).
Panther Caring Sheet for the Chameleon
This reptile is a fantastic learning opportunity for those seeking a challenge. The requirements for their diet and care are often very complex particularly if they get stressed or sick.
Panther Chameleon Diet
There isn’t much information about the nutritional requirements of these animals. The only thing we know about this animal is it’s an insectivore.
In the wild, Panther Chameleons feed on a wide range of animals, including crickets waxworms and mealworms as well as grasshoppers, roaches and beetles. They also eat beetles, honeybees and other insects of small size. Males of large size can even eat tiny birds.
A lot of keepers don’t find it difficult to convince their chameleons to eat in the enclosure.
It is recommended to feed 15-30 crickets four times per week. You could also feed waxworms or huge mealworms.
The invertebrates you feed must not exceed the head of your chameleon and must be fully gut-loaded.
If you feed your chameleon, you can either place their food into an unattractive dish or feed them directly.
In the wild, Panther Chameleons love to lick morning raindrops and dewdrops. You can encourage this habit in the enclosure by misting it every two to three times per every day.
In addition, they are attracted by drips of water.
It’s possible to train them how to drink water from a tiny water dish that drips slowly. To create a basic water drip system , fill the clear plastic container. Then make a small hole in the bottom. Then, place it on top of the dish.
Supplements
Invertebrates that you feed must be sprayed by calcium-rich supplements.
One of the most complex components of the nutrition of a Panther Chameleon is their vitamin D and A intake as well as their metabolism.
Vitamin A can be consumed as a supplement, or in the form of vegetables. Consuming yams, carrots or leafy leaves is not a popular choice as there isn’t any evidence that feeding vegetables is any superior to a supplement. But, it has been proved to be to be effective for other reptiles.
Vitamin D is an additional nutrient with a complex structure which is vital for the growth and development of their bodies.
Vitamin D supplements is recommended for adults in the event that they don’t get enough UVB sunlight exposure from their environment. The supplement should not be fed to newborns, they should be fed micro crickets as well as Drosophila flies.
Lifespan and Health
The best method to ensure that the Panther Chameleon in good health is to offer a suitable habitat and regular husbandry in a calm and relaxed environment.
They’re not usually healthy in captivity as they are extremely vulnerable to stresses and changes in the environment. Sometimes, this stress could be too much and can cause death.
Females aren’t able to live in captivity long, and often die within a few months.
Males are tougher than females and may live up to seven years. They typically have a lifespan of two to three years.
The most frequently reported health problem is hypovitaminosis. It can cause blindness, but it can be avoided by adding vitamin A to their diet.
Metabolic bone diseases are an extremely common condition in reptiles. It is prevented by dusting calcium supplements onto the insects prior to eating.
Wild-caught chameleons can be prone to develop Internal parasites. This should not pose an issue with The Panther Chameleon as it is illegal to capture the animals in Madagascar.
The Signs That They Are Healthy
- Colors that are vibrant and bright.
- Regularly climbing trees.
- The tongue is swiftly moving when eating.
- There are no obvious infections or lesions on the skin.
- Eyes are easily moved across the socket.
Sickness symptoms
- Poor coloration.
- Slim and losing weight.
- Refusing to consume food.
- Regurgitating food.
- Pale mucous membranes.
Panther Chameleon Habitat
The reptile is native to the northern part of Madagascar which is an island situated to the east from South Africa.
Panther Chameleons are thriving in humid, warm environments with very little variation of climate patterns or temperatures.
They dwell in small trees, bushes and bushes at the edges of larger forests.
Changes in the environment cause Chameleons to be stressed, so it is crucial to offer a place that is similar to their natural environment.
Panther Chameleon Dimensions of the Cage
The chameleons require plenty of space in order to be content and have plenty of the vertical space needed to climb. Females must be kept in enclosures that are 40-gallons or more. Males require a bigger enclosure which is at minimum 50-gallons.
- Tank Type: wire mesh.
- Tank Size 50-gallon.
- Lighting The two types of lighting are UVB and fluorescent.
- Substrate reptile carpet.
It is crucial that the cage is constructed of wire mesh, which is surrounded by an aluminum or wooden frame. The wire mesh must be coated with plastic in order to prevent rust.
The mesh’s holes must be half-inch of square. The cage should allow for adequate ventilation and keep them relaxed and calm. It will also create an obvious fence to keep them within.
Do not use aluminum or cloth for hardware as it can cause injury to feet.
In contrast to other reptiles, Chameleons shouldn’t be kept in a glass or plastic cage since they aren’t adequately ventilated and could cause eye or skin infections. They may also be anxious if they look at their reflections within the glass.
Cage Setup
Their cages should be 6 feet away from the ground to ensure they’re at eye level.
Heating And Lighting
The lighting requirements for the Panther Chameleon are often misunderstood.
Many keepers employ a fluorescence lamp to light and see inside their enclosure. Research has shown that lighting that emits UVA waves is harmful to their growth since it degrades vitamins , and also suppresses their appetite.
Panther Chameleons require UVB lighting.
The most effective method of providing UVB lighting to your reptile using a 40-watt UVB bulb. It is recommended that you Chameleon should be exposed the light for between 50 and 80 hours every week. It is also possible to put them in the sun for five hours per week.
A lot of UVB exposure can lead to cancer, so try that you don’t overexpose your children to UVB. Also, ensure that they have enough space to leave their spot of basking.
A Panther Chameleon has a wide temperature range that allows it is able to remain healthy (i.e. the thermoneutral zone).
Their enclosures range from 65-90 including a bubbling space which is a couple of degrees more warm. The temperature of the tank should be decreased by 10 degrees at night and it is recommended to utilize an under-tank heating pad.
Humidity
The humidity should be maintained between 60-80 The humidity can be increased through misting and placing live plants in the tank. The species is a fervent climber, and should have plenty of reptiles and plants furniture.
Furnishing
They are acrobatic climber and require plenty of reptile furniture and plants.
It is possible to use artificial branches and plants since they are cleaner however real plants and branches provide a more appealing aesthetic and decrease the stress levels of your Chameleon. The most effective plants to utilize for their environment are:
- Bonsai-trees
- Ivy
- Orchids
- Ferns
The plants should be removed if your pet lizard decides to consume the plants.
Substrate
The requirements for substrates for the substrate requirements for a Panther Chameleon are very simple. Since crickets are known to get caught under the substrate of their tank, it’s best to not have any. Remove any crickets that are not eaten from their tank each day.
It is possible to use a basic reptile carpet, but it should not be made of loose substrates such as gravel or sand as this can cause gastrointestinal impaction.
Common Behaviour
Panther Chameleons are among the reptiles with the lowest amount of study.
The most important thing to know is that they are diurnal, and they love climbing.
They’re also extremely slow-moving animals and each step they take is planned. The most speedy part of this lizard’s body is their lengthy tongue. It’s like a frog and is designed for swiftly picking up prey from the air or from the ground. It could be as long as two times the length of their length!
They are animals that live in solitude and they are extremely territorial. Because of their territorial nature, they have to live in an enclosures by themselves.
In their enclosures it is likely that they are climbing up a tree or perched on the branch.
It isn’t known much about their methods of communication other than the standard changing of color.
It’s a common myth that they alter color in order to fit their surroundings. They can lighten or darken in accordance with the natural light but their color does not change with the environment. They have a color spectrum beginning at birth and based on its particular species that helps to hide their surroundings for the species.
They change color in order to signal:
- Sickness
- Attraction
- If females carry eggs (gravid) they tend to be black or dark brown
- Two males in a group are territorial
Do Panther Chameleons like to be Afraid?
They aren’t, and despite being friendly, handling can strain them tremendously. The frequent handling can increase stress levels and lead to health issues.
It is best to not handle the Panther Chameleon if you absolutely have to (e.g. the removal or relocation of enclosures).
If you must hold them, let them hold you in your hands as you stretch your flat, stable hand, instead of wrapping your arms or fingers around them. If your toes are numb you should put on gloves.
Cleanse your hands prior to and after handling to decrease the risk of contracting an illness.
Where to Purchase A Panther Chameleon
Panther Chameleons are best bought captive-bred by a reliable breeder. It’s been illegal for breeders to export the species since the 1970s.
Wild-caught lizards can be susceptible to illnesses and stress in the wild. Chameleons are particularly susceptible to stress and illness. difficult time adjusting to their environment in the confinement.
Captive-bred lizards have a better chance of adjusting to cages.
What is the cost of the Panther Chameleon cost?
They typically range from $150 to $600 Their price is dependent on the color, the breeder and morph.
Panther Chameleons are more prolific when kept in captivity than any other types of chameleon.
The process lasts about 10 to 45 minutes and is usually repeated multiple times in some days. When a pregnancy is detected, the female’s skin will darken in hue.
Females are expected to lay 10-40 eggs per clutch . However, it is possible that many of them will die in the course of their development.
It is recommended to keep the temperature of a young chameleon between 77 and 80 degrees and at least 60 percent humidity.
They can be kept in tiny aquariums or in a transparent plastic container with a top screen and can consume micro crickets or Drosophila flies that are smaller than their heads.
Panther Chameleon Facts
| Common Name | Jungle Chameleon |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Furcifer pardalis |
| Price | $150 – $500 |
| Size | 8 to 20 inches |
| Lifespan | Between 2 and 7 years old |
| Diet | Insectivorous |
| Tank Size | Minimum 50-gallon |
| Humidity and Temperature | Daytime temperature: 65 to 90 degrees Humidity: 60% – 80% |
| Popular Alternatives | Veiled Chameleon, Jackson’s Chameleon |
Summary
Panther Chameleons are among the most interesting and intriguing reptiles.
Many pet lovers love them due to their vivid hues as well as the challenges they present to keep them well.
They are not the best pet for novices who can’t provide them with the meticulous and sometimes difficult treatment.
If you’re in search of an reptile that is easy for beginners, the majority of owners opt for to go with a Crested Gecko.
Have you had any Panther Chameleon experience? Please share them with us.
