HUSBANDRY AND REPRODUCTION OF THE PANTHER CHAMELEON (Chamae/eo [Furcifel1 parda/is)

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1 HUSBANDRY AND REPRODUCTION OF THE PANTHER CHAMELEON (Chamae/eo [Furcifel1 parda/is) Rob L. Coke, DVM Copperfield Animal Clinic Ridge Park Drive Houston, Texas USA Abstract: The panther chameleon, Chamae/eo [Furcifeij parda/is, inhabits the island of Madagascar. The medium size species is known for various color varieties, which are related to geographic localities. This species is popular in today's herpetoculture due to relative ease of care and reproduction when compared to other chameleon species. Key words: panther chameleon, Chamae/eo [Furcifer] parda/is, husbandry, caging, reproduction J biogeography Biographical Information The panther or jungle chameleon, Chamae/eo [Furcifelj parda/is, inhabits the island of Madagascar, located off the southeastern.coast of Africao The panther chameleon is a medium to large species that differentiates itself from the other chameleons by sporting an array of colors from green to blue to red depending on geographic distribution. They live in scrub forests and inhabit the edges of the primary forests, which consist of trees and shrubs up to three meters tall. This species is heliophilic and will strive to live in areas of abundant sunlight The panther chameleon may be found in the northern half of Madagascar tending to live near the coastal regions and some of the coastal islands (Le. Nosy Be off the northwest coast). The panther chameleon thrives in warm, humid climates with a mild to moderate seasonal fluctuation in temperature. They have a wide range of geographic tolerances and may repopulate some of the areas where the rain forest has been destroyed. They also inhabit areas bordering human settlements. The male panther chameleon is best known for its vibrant and varied coloration. The adult male panther reaches lengths of em (16-22 inches). Male panther chameleons have a solid to a broken white lateral stripe. Depending on geographic location, the male panther has pronounced vertical stripes or bars. He also has dramatic color shifts that depend on the particular geographic locality. The most notable color phase is the "powder-blue" from the island of Nosy Be. Collection from this particular area of the island is no longer allowed. Several captive bred lines of individuals are still available in the United States. The most common form of the "blue" phase from Nosy Be is more of a teal to turquoise color. In addition, a brilliant green form is also collected from the island. Off the mainland from Nosy Be, is the area of Ambanja. These chameleons are somewhat similar to the Nosy Be colors but have more reds, purples, and yellows in the vertical bars. Blue Ambanja males from this region can be quite remarkable with their mosaic coloration. These chameleons also have yellow scales around the lateral mouth commissures and lips Proceedings Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians 37

2 The "rainbow" panther chameleon comes from the northern tip of Madagascar called Diego Suarez. When calm, this chameleon has alternating green vertical bars. When stimulated by breeding or defending his territory, the Diego Suarez panther chameleon changes to alternating bars of fire orange and bright yellow. This effect is truly remarkable. This variety of panther chameleon is still commonly imported into the United States. Not to be. undone, the panther chameleons from the region around Maroantsetra on the eastern coast of Madagascar can also display dramatic color shifts. These panther chameleons are weakly barred and have a reddish-brown to green color. However, when excited, these chameleons will tum completely red ororange on a white background. The female panther chameleon lacks the colorful vertical barring of the male panthers. The females are smaller reaching lengths of cm ( inches). The female panther generally is a uniform beige color with gray to black rings or crescents on the sides.. The females may also have a hint of blue to red to yellow hues to the beige background depending on their geographic locality. When receptive, they will tum a light shade of pink or beige. When gravid, they tum a dark black with pronounced rings to warn any potential suitors. (Martin, 1992, Glaw and Vences, 1994, Ferguson, 1995) Captive care and breeding Husbandry A. Housing (Donoghue, 1996; KaUsch, 1996, Davison, 1997, Coke, 1998) 1D Vertical enclosure to simulate arboreal environment 2. Aquariums are not adequate for adults Not able to effectively ventilate and provide temperature gradients Large aquariums not designed to stand vertically 3. Adult cage size requirements (larger cage sizes are better) Minimum.. 45cm L x 45cm W x 75em H (1.5' x 1.5' x 2.5') Ideal.. 60cmL x 60em W x 120cm H (2' x 2' x 4') 4. Coverings Plastic-coated, wire-welded mesh.. 1 x 2 em (1/2"x1") Hardware cloth may be too abrasive Aluminum window screen may be used for juvenile chameleons not recommended for adults - may cause foot damage (Annis,1994, Stahl, 1996) 5. Environment Multiple branches to provide a natural flow Plastic plants may be used Live plants are better - Ficus, Scheff/era, Hibiscus, Bougainvillea Other decorative plants - Ivy (Pathos spp.), Orchids, Tillandsia, Ferns Proceedings Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians

3 B. Lighting (Gehrmann, 1997) 1. Ultraviolet radiation UVA and UVB (most important) Needed for conversion step in vitamin 03 to its active form to allow the proper absorption of calcium (Ferguson, et ai, 1996) 2. Sunlight The BEST source of UV radiation is unfiltered sunlight for several hours a week 3. Fluorescent lights (Examples) Reptisun 5.0 (Zoo Med Labs: San Louis, CA) Vita-Lite (Duro-test Corp: Fairfield, NJ) Reptile Daylight (ESU: Harbor City, CAl c. Water (Davison, 1997, Abate, 1998) 1. Nature Morning dewdrops and rain showers 2. Humidity Recommendation: 60-80% Live plants help in maintain humidity levels 3. Frequency Manually every hours Automatic watering system on a timer provides an even better source of water by eliminating human forgetfulness 4. Watering Methods Misting or spraying by hand Greenhouse misting system Cool-mist humidifier (I.e. a humidifier that works by centrifugal force or by ultrasonic vaporization) Dripping water source commercial reptile water dripper medical iv bag set to a slow drip plastic cup with a pinhole in the bottom Bowl with an airstone set to bubble the water to attract the chameleon's attention - least effective Om Temperature (Ferguson, 1995) 1. Different species, different temperatures Panthers: C (65-90 F) 2mTemperature drop at night 5.. aoc (10 0» 15 F) 3. Focal heat sources Provide increased temperatures of 2.. SoC (5-10 F) Incandescent light bulbs or spot lights Beware of focal concentration points 4. Radiant or space heaters may cause dehydration 5. Thermometers - digital indoor/outdoor with remote probe 6a NEVER place an aquarium with a chameleon in sunlight Temperatures exceeding 65 C (150 F) can be reached within minutes 1999 Proceedings Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians 39

4 E. Feeding 1. Varied diet in nature 2. Typical food sources for the captive chameleon Crickets, Acheta domestica Mealworms, Tenebrio mo/itor Superworms, Zoophobias spp. Waxworms, Galleria mellonella Roaches - Madagascar or other tropical species, B/aberus spp. Wild caught insects - grasshoppers, butterflies, etc (Davison, 1997) 3.Gut loading: feeding the food insects a combination diet (Donoghue, 1996) Sweet potatoes, fresh greens, carrots, rolled oats, apples, ground legumes, oranges, com meal, etc. Grain mixes or chicken laying mash found in co-ops and feed stores (must be FREE from any additive chemicals or medications) Additionally a calcium source, such as alfalfa pellets, greens, or calcium carbonate, can be added to the cricket cage to provide higher ingested calcium levels. 4" "Dusting" with vitamin supplements (Ferguson, 1994, Ferguson, et ai, 1996, Abate, 1997) Proper gut-loading decreases the need for external supplementation Recommendations Adults - weekly Gravid females - every feeding Juveniles - every to every other feeding Sa Supplements (Examples) Mineral-ITM (Sticky Tongue Farms: Menifee, CAl Rep-Cal (Rep-Cal Research Labs: Los Gatos, CA) Repti-Vite (Zoo Med Labs: San Louis, CA) Vegetation - some chameleons (especially veiled chameleons) may ingest some of the live vegetation in the cage (Annis, 1995, Abate, 1997) Reproduction (Ferguson, 1995, Davison, 1997) A. Breeding 1D Good breeding success in captivity 28 Panther chameleons are oviparous (egg layers) 3m Reach sexual maturity in 6-9 months 4. Females may cycle several times a year Females generally take on a lighter color pattern May have lavender to blue spots 5. Once receptive, place together The male panther will chase and pin down the female Copulation lasts for minutes May be repeated over the course of several days Observe to separate if needed to prevent injury 6. If not receptive, the female will darken, gape/hiss, and threaten the male Proceedings Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians

5 B. Egg Deposition 1. Panther females once gravid will take on a darkened color pattern 2. Egg deposition site Potting soil and/or sand ( cm (6"... 8") deep) A plastic container that is filled with potting soil placed in the cage A cage that has a deep substrate as a base 3. Keep slightly moistened 4. Females will dig a tunnel down to the bottom to deposit her eggs C. Incubation (Ferguson, 1995) 1. Use moistened vermiculite or Perlite for substrate 2. May take months 3. A cooler diapause period may lengthen incubation times 4. Several temperature methods Room temperature variation C ( F) 18.3 C (65 F) for the first couple of months then raised to room temperature variation above 18.3 C (65 F) for the first couple of months then raised to C ( F) Constant C ( F) Neonatal Care A. Housing (Abate, 1995) 1. Small plastic or glass aquaria 2. Temperature: F ( C) Little variation 3. Increased humidity (greater than 600/0) 4. May be raised in small groups 5. Full-spectrum (UVA and UVB) florescent lighting 6. Small sticks and potted plants for decoration 7. NO substrate 8. Good hygiene needed B. Feeding (Ferguson, 1995, Donoghue, 1996) 1. Pinhead (1/ /8 11 ) crickets 2. Wingless (Drosophila) fruit flies 3. Baby (1/4 11 ) mealworms 4. Tropical roach nymphs 5. Provide a food source for the insect items Proceedings Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians 41

6 REFERENCES Annis II JM Chameleon claw damage. CaN, 11 :9-10. Abate A Basics, ideas for the maintenance of chameleons, caging, part II -- babies, live bearing, and small species. CIN, 17:8-14. Abate Nutrition -Part IV - Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from supplementation. CIN, 25:9-23. Abate A Watering techniques for chameleons. CIN, 17:8-14. Coke RL Old world chameleons: captive care and breeding. Bull ARAV, 8(2): Davison lj Chameleons: their care and breeding. Hancock House. Blaine, WA:112. Donoghue S Jackson's chameleons, Chameleon jacksonii, indoor care, feeding and breeding. The Vivarium, 8(1):6-13. Fe usan GW "Old World chameleons in captivity: growth, maturity, and reproduction of Malagasy nther chameleons,chamae/eo pardslis" In Captive Management and Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles. Contributions to Herpetology. SSAR, 11 : rguson GW "Part I. Panther Chameleon, Chamae/eo parda/is." In de sjoli P, Ferguson G (eds): Care and Breeding of Panther, Jackson's, Veiled, and Pa n's ChameleonsM Advanced Vivarium Sys. Santee, C Ferguson GW, Jones JR, Gehrmann WH, Hammack SH, Talent LG, Hudson RD,Dierenfeld ES, Fitzpatrick,rye FL, Holick MF, Ch, Lu Z, Gross,Vogel JJ Indoor husbandry of the ther chameleon, Chamaelso [~ pards II Effects of dietary vitamins A and D and ultravio t irradiation on pathology and life-hi traitsa Z Bioi, 15: Gehrmann WH Reptile lighting: A current perspective. The Vivarium, 8(2):44-45, 62» Glaw F, Veness M A field guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascara 2nd ad. Moos-Druck: leverkusen, Germany: 480. KaUsch K Understanding and applying successful caging for chameleonsd The Vivarium, 8(1): Martin J Masters of disguise: a natural history of chameleons. Facts on File: New York, NY:176. Stahl SJ Veterinary Management of Old rid Chameleons. In Strimple PO (ed): Advances in Herpetoculture" IHS, Inc.. Crown Craft Printing: Des Moines, IA: a Proceedings Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians