Panther Chameleon

Scientific Name: Furcifer pardalis

Native Habitat: Madagascar

Lifespan: 2-8 years

Size: up to 4" for females, up to 8" for males

Temperament: Docile, calm, slow moving, easy to stress

Ease of handling: Not inclined to bite but they are quite fragile and stress easily so handling should be kept to a minimum.

Skill level: Expert

Activity level: Diurnal and slow moving.

Panther chameleons are completely arboreal, it is essential that they are provided a lot of climbing space and surfaces. 24x24x36" should be the minimum enclosure size for an adult.

Temperature: Ambient temperature should be between 24-32°C, with a basking spot of 35°C. 

Lighting: UVB is necessary, approximately 10-12 hours a day.

Humidity: 60-80% with frequent misting

Substrate: Bioactive soil, coconut husk, coconut fiber.

Chameleons need plenty of climbing surfaces such as branches, corkbark, vines, and plants. Chameleons need a running source of water as they do not drink from water bowls or still water.

Panther chameleons require a varied diet, including crickets, mealworms, waxworms, grasshoppers, roaches, flies, beetles, and other invertebrates. Chameleons, and all insectivore reptiles, are prone to hypovitaminosis-A, ensure all feeders are gutloaded so that your chameleon is receiving adequate vitamins and minerals.