Diet

The panther chameleon is a carnivore. They feed mostly on insects though on occasion they can also eat small frogs, rodents and lizards. The lizards may include small chameleons.

Food is caught by sticking out their sticky tongue.

Observations suggest that they prefer running water to still.

Range

Madagascar is the native home of the panther chameleon. Here they are mostly found in the North of the island.

Introduced populations have been established on Réunion and Mauritius.

Habitat

They make their home in forest and shrubland. With the expansion of human populations they may be found in coffee plantations. Often they are found near rivers or roadsides.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place from January to May. Males form a territory and any opposing males which enter this will be physically fought to remove them from this territory.

Males display for the female by ducking and bobbing. The male will also produce flashes of color to make him look more attractive.

Following a successful mating the female will become pregnant. At this time she changes color to signal to males that she is not up for mating.

Eggs gestate in the female for two to three weeks. Females lay up to six clutches in a single breeding season. Each clutch may include between 12 and 50 eggs which are deposited in moist soil at a depth of around 10cm (4in).

It may take a full day for the female to complete the egg laying process. Once the eggs are laid she will cover them and trample the soil before covering it with leaves and twigs.

The incubation period can vary between six and twelve months following which the eggs will hatch. The newborns make their own way to the surface and receive no care from their parents.

Sexual maturity can be reached as early as 5 months old.

Behavior

Panther chameleons move along a branch with their signature rocking motion which helps them to avoid being found.

They are primarily active by day and spend their nights resting on a branch with their prehensile tail wrapped around it. Their eyes lack the necessary elements to allow night vision.

These chameleons are solitary and spend their time alone.

Most of their communication is achieved through changes in color.

Predators and Threats

The natural predators of the panther chameleon are birds and snakes.

Humans pose a threat to this species through habitat clearing and collection for the pet trade. They are tolerant to some changes in habitat and this has helped slow their decline.

They are bred in captivity and this helps to reduce the demand for the wild collection.

Quick facts

The name chameleon comes from Greek words which mean Earth lion.

In Malagasy culture the panther chameleon is seen as being as a symbol of intelligence.