Chameleons, Scientists, and Pizza: The AG Chamäleons Meeting 2025

The AG Chamäleons is a unique platform where scientists and amateur herpetologists meet to exchange knowledge and advance chameleon research. From May 16–18, 2025, its annual meeting took place in Boppard am Rhein, bringing together over 35 participants. The event kicked off with casual networking, followed by remote lectures, species-specific presentations, and herping field reports.

The first lecture, by Sophie Obermeier, addressed the importance of obtaining reptile keeper certification, even though it is not yet mandatory in Germany. Falk Eckhardt then shared insights into Trioceros serratus husbandry, emphasizing difficulties in maintaining healthy captive populations due to restrictions on exports from Cameroon.

Field research presentations included Gerd Fritzsche's report on his South African herping trips, documenting Bradypodion chameleon species in KwaZulu-Natal. He described encounters with rare dwarf chameleons, snakes, and even large mammals like giraffes and hippos. Jean-Dominique Dufraine discussed his experiences breeding Furcifer lateralis, an intensely colored Malagasy chameleon, highlighting a fascinating behavior known as "egg throwing," which might be linked to lighting conditions in enclosures.

A photography competition honored spectacular images of chameleons both in nature and terrariums. The winning entries included Furcifer rhinoceratus, Calumma parsonii, and Bradypodion damaranum, with prizes sponsored by Chimaira, QB Insects, and Der Terraristikladen.

The event concluded with an AG Chamäleons members' meeting, reviewing accomplishments from the past two years, including publication milestones, social media outreach, and breeding statistics efforts. Elections reaffirmed the existing leadership team, and generous donations from participants further supported future initiatives.

Citation: AG Chamäleons Annual Meeting, Boppard am Rhein, May 2025.