Chameleons Care | A Complete Guide to Care for Pet Panther Chameleon - Chameleons Planet
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) live in tropical forests in the eastern and northern parts of Madagascar. In addition, it has been introduced to Réunion and Mauritius.
Females show less variation in color, often orange or brownish, and have a less dramatic "helmet" than males, comprising ridges along the sides of the head. They are also smaller.
Panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) have gained increasing popularity in the last fifteen years. After first being introduced to the U.S. in the 1980s from Madagascar, the panther became highly desired by chameleon hobbyists because of its dazzling array of colors and unique behavior.
There was a ceiling in popularity at first because of difficulties associated with most wild imports and a poor reputation for survival. Captive propagation and improvements in care protocols would propel the panther chameleon to a much broader audience.
A growing number of far-sturdier panthers became available because of captive breeding. Because of improved care and husbandry methods, more people enjoyed a positive outcome.
Table of Content in this Article
Panther Chameleon: An Overview
Panther Chameleons: A Description
Panther Chameleone: Behavioral and Temperament
Panther Chameleone: Changing Skin Color
Housing for Panther Chameleone
Choosing A Cage for A Panther Chameleone
Size of the Cage
The Substrate
Heat & Light for Panther Chameleone
Amount of Humidity for Panther Chameleons
Water and food for Panther Chameleons
Reptile reproduction: Panther Chameleon
Senses of Panther Chameleon
Eyes with Conical Shapes
Communication of Panther Chameleon
Habitat of Panther Chameleon
Supplements for Panther Chameleon
Cleaning of Panther Chameleon
Panther Chameleons: Choosing Yours
Common Health Problems of Panther Chameleon
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Panther Chameleon - An Overview
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata
Family Chamaeleonidae
Name Panther chameleon
Scientific Name Furcifer pardalis
Species 11
Niche Insectivores,
Length 13–22 in (33–56 cm)
Weight Males: 40 to 180g,
Weight Females: 60 to 100g
Lifespan 5–7 years
Social Structure Solitary except during mating
Conservation Status Least Concern
Preferred Habitat Coastal rainforests in the foliage of small trees
Average clutch Size 10–16
Main Prey Species Insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, roaches, worms
Predators Snakes, birds, and monkeys
Care Easy
Panther Chameleons: A Description
The male panther chameleon can grow up to 20 centimeters or 7.9 inches in length, but the females are usually around 17 centimeters or 6.7 inches long. A female is half as big as a male.
Males are more vibrantly colored than females because of a type of sexual dimorphism. It is common to refer to the various color patterns of panther chameleons as 'locales,' which are named after the geographical area where they live.
There are usually bright blue Panther Chameleons found in Nosy Be, Ankify, and Ambanja, while those found in Ambilobe, Antsiranana, and Sambava are usually red, green, or orange. Primarily red specimens are found in the areas of Maroantsetra and Tamatave.
Between and within the regions, some other colors and patterns occur. No matter where they are found, females are generally tan and brown with pale pink or peach hints, with varying patterns and colors. There are, however, slight differences between color phases.
Panther Chameleone: Behavioral and Temperament
Panther chameleons have territorial natures and must be kept separately. Chameleons are pets that are better suited to being watched than handled a lot since the handling is stressful.
Panther chameleons are territorial like most other species of chameleons; when two males are kept together in captivity, they will change colors and sometimes even attack each other. Males choose female mates in the wild using this ritual.
Their tongues are exceptionally long, allowing them to catch prey in mid-air. Panther chameleons don't live long in captivity, but they're generally docile personalities and the fact they're relatively easy to care for making them a favorite among lizard owners.
Panther Chameleone: Changing Skin Color
Several internal and external cues or signals allow Panther chameleons to change their skin color quickly. For example, changing light intensity or temperature could be a sign of mating or fighting and changes in animal emotion.
Some animals, such as octopuses and flounders, change their skin color through changes in pigment concentrations, such as melanin in the skin or eyes. The color-changing ability of chameleons is not dependent upon pigments.
Rather, it uses nanoparticles, which are found in their skin cells. Light can be reflected by these tiny particles. Depending on which wavelengths of light are reflected, we see different colors.
A chameleon's density of these particles within a cell can alter light reflection, so you see different colors depending on what wavelength of light is reflected.
Inside the cell, nanocrystals are arranged in a lattice.
The arrangement of the cells changes as the chameleon relaxes or is excited. Chameleon nanocrystals. When relaxed, they are tightly packed and they reflect the blue/green light. When the chameleon gets excited, the skin stretches, and the lattice loosens. As a result, other colors, such as yellow and red, are reflected.
Housing for Panther Chameleone
Terrariums made of glass are not suitable for keeping chameleons. Mesh enclosures provide them with ventilation. For chameleon enclosures, we do not recommend it to use fine metal or fiberglass mesh; PVC-coated hardware cloth is recommended.
Provide a variety of sturdy, non-toxic plants and branches. Many chameleon enclosures are made from Ficus trees, but the sap can be irritating to chameleons. A variety of pothos, hibiscus, and dracaenas can also be tried.
You can also use artificial plants, and artificial vines are a significant addition. There should be branches of different diameters within the cage, as well as perches of varying heights and temperatures.
Choosing A Cage for A Panther Chameleone
For panthers, we prefer enclosed cages made of all screens or cages with two screened sides (front and side), otherwise solid walls. It has the advantages of producing more water evaporation, is lighter, and allows for a warm basking area without severely heating the entire area.
As well as keeping the air dry in your home, chameleon cages with solid sides and back walls prevent water mist from getting on walls and furniture if your home is heated or cooled.
Size of the Cage
Your panther's cage size should be determined by his age and gender. I recommend the Dragon Strand Medium Atrium cage, which measures 28½ by 18 by 29½ inches for a permanent enclosure-one that can house a young chameleon for its entire life.
The enclosure should be no less than 18 inches by 18 inches by 36 inches if you are looking for a less expensive alternative. Females can also live in a cage this size, though a male will need a larger cage, eventually.
The Substrate
To prevent bacterial or mold growth in the cage, cleanliness is essential. To make cleaning easier, line the cage with paper towels or newspaper. A plain paper substrate allows live plants to be planted in cages even when potting plants.
Use the only substrate that will not accidentally ingest and cause blockages, such as wood chips.
Heat & Light for Panther Chameleone
Each chameleon enclosure is kept at a temperature of 88 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the basking spot during the day. The nighttime temperature is 70 to 75 degrees. We recommend that the minimum temperature at night should not drop below 15 degrees, with a gradient of 75 to 90 degrees during the day.
To prevent burns, a ceramic heater or a basking light positioned outside of the cage offers the most effective method of heating.
You should place the basking light on top of or suspended over one corner of the cage. We should position the branch or vine at a distance above it so that it receives the proper basking temperature.
Young panthers may grow too close to the heat source as they grow, so adjust their perch accordingly. Make sure you keep a thermometer handy for monitoring all temperatures.
A ceramic heat emitter can raise your home's temperature at night if it gets colder than 68 degrees.
It is necessary to have a separate UVB light. A direct 6 to 7-inch clearance is adequate for Zoo Med Reptisun 5.0 T8 linear fluorescent tubes. You should pay close attention to the manufacturer's instructions if you choose another lamp type.
Timer-controlled lights should be switched on and off every twelve hours. When it is time for your chameleon to sleep, all lights must be off.
Amount of Humidity for Panther Chameleons
You want to maintain a high humidity level for Panther Chameleons; they need 60 to 85 percent humidity. You can accomplish this by misting the plants regularly, and a drip or misting system is also recommended.
A chameleon rarely drinks from a water bowl but will lick drops of water from plants, so the misting/drip system can also be a source of water. Install a drip system so that the water drops fall over the plants in the enclosure. Measure humidity with a hygrometer.
Water and food for Panther Chameleons
Panther chameleons are insectivores, which means we should feed them a variety of insects. Besides crickets, locusts, roaches, butte worms, which contain calcium, silkworms, flies, and grasshoppers can also be fed, as can mealworms, super worms, and waxworms.
Avoid wild-caught insects that may have been exposed to pesticides and fireflies.
Before feeding, all insects should be gut-loaded (fed fresh veggies and vitamins/minerals).
Some chameleon species may also consume plant matter, such as collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens.
The amount you feed your chameleon, or how often you feed it, can be adjusted if uneaten insects are found or your chameleon appears to be gaining weight. Keep live prey out of your cage for longer periods to avoid insects attacking your chameleon.
Besides gut loading your insects, you should dust them with calcium/vitamin D3 twice or three times a week and use a multivitamin-mineral supplement once a week.
Experts recommend choosing a supplement that does not contain vitamin A and instead uses beta-carotene.
Panther Chameleons: Choosing Yours
The chameleon's eyes should be clear, and he or she should not show signs of a respiratory infection, such as difficulty breathing or wheezing, lethargy, or a lack of appetite. Dry patches of skin may show a parasitic infection.
The best place to purchase exotic pets is from a reputable breeder who specializes in reptiles.
Reptile reproduction: Panther Chameleon
Chameleons of the Panther family reach sexual maturity at a minimum age of seven months. During gravidity, or when carrying eggs, females turn dark brown or black with orange stripes to show to males that they have no intention of mating.
Depending on the color phase of the chameleon, gravid females differ in coloration and pattern. It allows you to distinguish between locales.
Because of the stress placed on their bodies, females usually only live for two to three years after laying eggs (between five and eight clutches).
According to the food and nutrient consumption during the development period, females may lie from 10 to 40 eggs per clutch. It usually takes 240 days for eggs to hatch.
Senses of Panther Chameleon
Eyes have scaly skin and are small, with a tiny opening for vision, and extend out of the head. At the same time, both eyes turn independently to look in different directions. Vision is more important for them than their sense of smell; visual cues are their primary defense.
Eyes with conical shapes
The conical eyes of the panther chameleon are another adaptation. Chameleons have eyes on opposite sides of their heads. A side view, a rear view, and a front view are available to them.
The eyes can move independently of one another and can swivel almost 180 degrees. As a result, they can see their surroundings at almost 360 degrees. Chameleons use this ability to find prey and to avoid predators.
The anatomy of chameleons enables them to rotate their eyes to such a high degree. Within each eyeball, two conical turrets resemble two upside-down ice cream cones.
The eyeball of these lizards is also protected from falling out of their socket by a thick, muscular eyelid. The eyeballs of animals that don't have sockets in their eyes allow them to see a wider range of colors than animals with sockets.
It is also possible for chameleons to switch from monocular to binocular vision. It is possible to see two separate images with monocular vision, as the eyes can function independently of one another.
If one eye spots the prey, the signals sent to the brain by that eye are stronger than those sent by the other eye.
As a result, the brain switches focus to the other eye, which also locks on to the prey. Binocular vision occurs when both eyes work together in this way.
Prey animals such as mice or rabbits, which have eyes on the side of their heads, often have monocular vision. As a result, they can scan for threats in all directions. Predators use binocular vision to locate their prey in detail, giving them an advantage in in-depth perception.
With the ability to switch between monocular and binocular vision, the panther chameleon is remarkably efficient at protecting itself, finding food, and reacting to threats.
Communication of Panther Chameleon
The Panther Chameleon makes gestures such as head bobbing, body inflation, and changing its color.
Habitat of Panther Chameleon
Panther chameleons are native to northeastern and coastal Madagascar, where they live mostly in trees and bushes in warm and humid coastal lowland areas.
Supplements for Panther Chameleon
The majority of the nutrients that Panther Chameleons need come from their diet, but they require a higher concentration of some vitamins and minerals. We normally dusted calcium and vitamin powders onto live foods as calcium and vitamin powders.
Supplements come in many forms, but the most common are calcium, calcium, and vitamins, or vitamin alone. Additionally, they will either include or exclude synthetic vitamin D3 within these groups.
Besides allowing the chameleon to use the calcium in its diet, vitamin D3 is produced by the reptile when it is exposed to UVB. Using an aquarium supplement without D3 is possible if you know the levels of UVB in your enclosure are perfect, otherwise, you should use one with D3.
Cleaning of Panther Chameleon
Like most pets, panther chameleons require a clean environment to thrive. We should do as frequent cleanings as possible (every day) and every 4 to 6 weeks. You can spot clean and monitor the enclosure if you are keeping the chameleon in a bio-active enclosure. Changing the bedding a few times a year is still a good idea.
The enclosure should be cleaned by removing the animal, all decorations, and all bedding. Once the enclosure is clean, you can spray it with a reptile-friendly disinfectant all over.
Most of these work quickly and only need to be left for a few seconds; instructions can usually be found on the packaging of these disinfectants. A paper towel can be used to wipe away the disinfectant after it has done its job. Repeat this process a second time to make sure the enclosure is thoroughly cleaned.
If you need to clean your decorations, simply spray them with the disinfectant, rinse them thoroughly with water, and then put them back into their enclosure after drying them off.
To ensure that the chameleon returns to a warm environment at least one hour before the night-time basking fixtures are turned off, we recommend doing this process during the daytime.
Common Health Problems of Panther Chameleon
Chameleons, including the panther, are prone to calcium and vitamin A deficiency. Poor diet causes this condition.
In addition, panthers can suffer from mouth rot, or stomatitis, a condition that causes drooling, redness, and excess saliva in the mouth.
Chameleons in captivity often suffer from metabolic bone diseases. Chameleons' bones become weak and brittle because of this condition, which can be fatal if untreated. Chameleons with this disease will be lethargic and may lose their appetite.
You should consult your veterinarian who specializes in reptiles when your pet seems to be ill or stressed.
Around the age of 1 year, a male panther chameleon's rate of growth slows down and some may become more selective about what they eat and how often they eat it. When novice keepers notice a change in appetite, they think something is wrong with their young panthers who are used to being little pigs.
The change in feeding behavior does usually not cause concern unless you notice other symptoms. Offering more variety to your chameleon is a friendly approach. We fed the older chameleons four days a week, while we fed older males five days a week.
Because of this changed schedule, feeding responses should improve and obesity should be avoided. Besides 58-inch crickets, we also eat super worms, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, silkworms, and goliath hornworms, seasoned with Calcium Plus at each meal.
I have been breeding panther chameleons since 1998, and I have been fascinated by the recent shift in the market away from wild-caught animals to captive-bred animals. Now is the right time to own one of the most wonderful creatures on planet Earth.
CB panther chameleons have never been easier to find, and we have information about the care of these amazing reptiles. You are responsible for the rest.
