The Chameleon declares that he is happy and proud to be, as always, of the same opinion as everyone, from "Scenes from the Private and Public Life of Animals"
Chameleons may have a bad rap in some cultures, but let's be honest—they're just out there living their best lives, changing colors and chilling. So next time you see a chameleon, maybe give it a nod of respect for all the legends it's managed to inspire. After all, it's not every day you meet an animal that's supposedly immortal and...
Superstitions Can Turn Deadly
The long living Working Group Chameleons of the German Society for Herpetology and Herpetoculture seeks for new members.
It is great and stable.
Worth considering
It is known, females of chameleons change often colors and patterns when they get gravid. the colors are a clear signal to males, not to approach them… In Furcifer verrucosus, the females change colors in gravidity to maron, reddish brow with bluish-violet hues…
It is widely recognized that certain species of the genus Chamaeleo possess a remarkable secondary sexual characteristic: the male tarsal spur. This is exemplified by species such as Chamaeleo africanus, C. arabicus, C. calyptratus, C. dilepis, C. monachus, and others. The tarsal spur has been utilized as a key diagnostic feature for...
(Chamaeleo namaquensis) is a ground-dwelling chameleon species found in the arid regions of Namibia, South Africa, and southern Angola. It inhabits arid and semi-arid areas, such as Karoo shrubland, sandy deserts, and gravel plains. It is particularly common in the Namib Desert and can be found as far south as Sutherland in the Western Cape, South...
Not far from Prague Airport in Czechia, there is a unique zoo called Zoopark Zajezd, which specializes in the care and breeding of chameleons. Their achievements are noteworthy, particularly the successful offspring of the small leaf chameleon species from Madagascar, Brookesia superciliaris. Congratulations!
A wild Furcifer pardalis from the Nosy Be island, Madagascar
Female of the Warty Chameleon, Furcifer verrucosus is very thin and small and inconspicuously shaped and colored in comparison to male
Among these remarkable features, the temporal gland stands out due to its mysterious nature. This gland, also referred to as the temporal pouch, is a holocrine type of exocrine gland found in several chameleon genera (including Bradypodion, Chamaeleo, Kinyongia, Rieppeleon, Furcifer, and Trioceros). It is a flat pocket located above the angle of...
Chameleons do not primarily change their coloration to blend with the environment, but use it mainly for communication and thermoregulation purposes. A very special case occurs when females, due to changes in hormonal levels, begin to show a very specific coloration after conception. The purpose of this discoloration is to deliver a clear message...
Chameleons are often viewed as examples of animals that change color to blend in with their environment. This understanding is incorrect.
Panther chameleons are beautiful creatures. Male panther chameleons are known for their vibrant colors, which come in various shades, including pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, and green. In contrast, females usually present more modest colors, often in shades of gray, brown, orange, black and white. However, some females can be quite colorful,...
Researchers from the African Amphibian Conservation Research Group, led by Fortunate M. Phaka, studied the use of chameleons in traditional medicine at urban markets in South Africa, visiting six cities. They identified 33 species of reptiles and one amphibian species used for medical purposes. Interviews with 11 traditional healers revealed that...
Furcifer verrucosus is a notably shy and nervous chameleon species that tends to react defensively to perceived threats, including humans. Its typical response includes hissing, opening its mouth wide, and displaying threatening behaviors.
Furcifer verrucosus, commonly known as the warty chameleon, spiny chameleon, or crocodile chameleon, is a species of reptile endemic to Madagascar. It was first described by Georges Cuvier in 1829. It inhabits the dry, hot regions of southern and western Madagascar. These chameleons are highly adaptable and can survive in heavily disturbed...
A recent study confirms the occurrence of the Namaqua Chameleon in the Namibe province (sites A and D on the map), SW Angola at two sites, together with new records of other reptiles first reported from here…
After several weeks of gravidity, female chameleons descend to the ground to deposit their eggs, leaving them alone for the months required for incubation. During this time, the females become quite heavy and less agile, making them vulnerable. Consequently, this process typically occurs in a secretive and rapid manner. Observations of females...
Many captive chameleons die in terrible pain due to respiratory infections. The primary cause is improper captive parameters, specifically a combination of:
One of the hydration methods in chameleon husbandry, in addition to nighttime fogging and misting, is the use of liquid water from various drippers. These can be purchased at pet stores or improvised using a cup with a perforated bottom or a similar contraption. A simple approach is to place an ice cube on the mesh top of the cage,...
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:
