RESPONSIBLE HERPETOCULTURE JOURNAL ISSUE #19 RELEASED!!!OUR JOURNAL IS PREPARED BY A PROFESSIONAL TEAM OF EDITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD: UKRAINE, UK, USA, GERMANY, COSTA RICA, CHINA and AUSTRALIATHIS IS THE 1ST RHJ ISSUE PUBLISHED IN 2025!
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Welcome to the curious world of chameleons and their rather fascinating and flamboyant hemipenes — yes, that's right, not just one, but two of these ornate copulatory organs! When it comes to reptilian romance, they certainly don't skimp on the bling. Better yet, the name itself might just tickle your linguistic fancy.
Chameleons are fascinating reptiles known for their unique appearance, features and strategies. One of their noteworthy biological features is the presence of two copulatory organs called hemipenes (singular hemipenis). These structures are located in specialized pockets at the base of their tails, known as "hemipeneal pockets".
When they are thirsty, they drink.
When they are well hydrated, they hide from rain and sleep.
In November 2023, a remarkable piece of information was shared on Facebook regarding the appearance of a leucistic, patternless Namaqua chameleon, Chamaeleo namaquensis, among offspring of this species in captivity. This animal is extraordinary and has never been reported in the wild. Its unique white coloration, devoid of any protective melanin,...
Based on analysis of the East African populations of Chamaeleo dilepis - complex, the following surprising taxonomic changes are made:
Chamaeleo zeylanicus, commonly known as the Asian Chameleon, has a fragmented distribution in Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan (Nečas, 1999; Tilbury, 2019; Sindaco & al.). Itis the only chameleon species found in India. Its distribution spans the entire peninsular region of the country, from the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats, and extending into...
You would think the hardest thing about observing chameleons in the wild is finding them, when in fact the hardest thing is getting attached to seeing them day after day and then one day they are gone, either because they moved on or they died. They are endearing creatures that if you look closely you will see what makes each...
Chamaeleo ruspolii belongs to the least known chameleon species at all due to its restricted range in hardly accessible region in the Horn of Africa. Recently, evidence of their existence was secured almost a century after the last specimen was collected, Photos of life specimens are presented together with information on their biotope, and their...
Severe Case of Metabolic Bone Disease in Yemen Chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae)
Chameleons can achieve impressive lifespans in captivity, contrary to the more common reports suggesting they typically live only a few years. This discussion draws on three case studies: females of Furcifer pardalis, a male Furcifer pardalis, and a male Calumma parsonii. These cases highlight significant age records for these species and analyze...
...they can shoot, kill, chew, swallow and digest them…
Chameleons exhibit color changes influenced by several factors. Primarily, they possess specialized cells called chromatophores that contain different pigments and can expand or contract to alter skin color. The guanophores retract the light on guanine crystal and ceeate additional color effects. Environmental factors such as temperature, light,...
New Species Chameleon Research in Madagascar: SEED Madagascar has recently identified a potentially new species of chameleon in the littoral forests of Sainte Luce, southeast Madagascar. Previously thought to be a known species, genetic evidence has revealed that this chameleon, referred to as Palleon cf. nasus, is genetically distinct. The...
The Nguru Mountains in Tanzania, known for their rich biodiversity, continue to astonish researchers with new discoveries. Recently, Joseph Mboya's expedition to this mountainous region highlighted a previously unidentified population of chameleons from the genus Rhampholeon. This genus is renowned for its unique morphological features, like...
Enjoy reading the new issue of this periodical, dedicated solely to chameleons...
Chameleons can be separated into two main groups based on their reproductive strategies: viviparous and oviparous species.
Brookesia decaryi, commonly referred to as the spiny leaf chameleon or Decary's leaf chameleon, is a captivating species endemic to Madagascar. Initially described by Fernand Angel in 1939, this small reptile belongs to the Chamaeleonidae family and is noted for its distinctive appearance and behavior.
Semiadult (left) and adult (middle) and hatchling (right) of Calumma crypticum, courtesy Patrick Andriamihaja
Hissing in chameleons is a form of vocalization characterized by a sharp, exhaled sound produced when they force air through their glottis (the opening of the larynx). This sound is created by the rapid expulsion of air from the lungs, which passes through the glottis and vibrates the surrounding tissues, producing the characteristic hiss. The...
The Tiger Chameleon, Archaius tigris, inhabits the Seychelles islands of the Seychelles archipelago. Being a fragment of Gondwana, which is mostly submerged and preserved only as the highest peaks of the former mountains of the little continent, the Seychellois fauna is very unique and endemic, harbouring ancient faunistic and floristic elements of...
Chameleons are generally rather sensitive and nervous animals, and as such, they really do not like to be handled. For them, a huge object (like a human) might be ignored if it does not move, and they may even consider it a "walking tree" and crawl on it without problems. More likely, however, they perceive it as a predator. Therefore,...
Chameleons are best left alone, as they do not enjoy handling, they are wild animals that thrive when observed from a distance. However, there are specific scenarios—such as for research or captive management—where a keeper or breeder needs to know how to handle a chameleon safely, minimizing the risk of injury to both the animal and the handler.
Calumma oshaughnessyi, or O'Shaughnessy's chameleon, is found exclusively in the eastern rainforests of Madagascar. This species typically measures between 20 and 25 cm in length and exhibits colour variations from yellow, green to blue, often adorned white and blur spots. Mating males can have head coloured white or red. Breeding occurs during the...
Archaius tigris, commonly known as the tiger chameleon, is a relatively small chameleon species, measuring approximately 16 cm (6.3 in) in length. Its coloration ranges from subtle light-grey to vibrant yellow-orange, and it can also appear in shades of green or dark brown, often adorned with scattered black spots. A notable characteristic of this...
The gular area, or the so-called chin area is basically an area situated under lower surface of the body between the mental symphysis and the arc of the hyoid bone. In chameleons, it usually consists of three types of scales:
Water household in chameleons is a very complex area about which books can be written.
Chameleons are quite calm animals and do not proactively interact with humans unless they are forced to. In the wild, they are very efficient in escaping human attention - they are masters of disguise. In captivity, they are not true pets; they are pets for observation, not for handling, and certainly not for cuddling. Chameleons exposed to heat,...
Female F. verrucosus consuming exuvia
