Description:
Scientific name: Furcifer pardalis
Life span: 1 year – up to 8 years
The Ambanja panther chameleons have slight variations within the same regional form. Males in Ambanja are typically a turquoise green or bluish turquoise tint with broad, deep red streaks all over their bodies. A bright light hydrant red to a deep Bordeaux red can be seen in the color.
Native Region/Habitat
A subspecies of the Panther Chameleons, the Ambanja Panther Chameleon is native to the tropical woods in eastern and northern Madagascar (scientifically known as Furcifer pardalis).
Behavior:
The diurnal, solitary, and territorial panther chameleons live alone. Males typically have bigger home ranges than females do. Males chase and/or display to protect their area. There may be head bobbing, abrupt color changes, and body inflating during courtship or when defending territory.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Enclosure:
If your chameleon is still very young, keep in mind that he may still be in the developing stage and pick an enclosure that will still be big enough for him after he grows bigger. Although you can begin with a smaller enclosure, spending more money up front can help you save money in the end.
It’s advised to get an enclosure that measures at least 24x24x48 inches for an adult male Panther chameleon. You can get an enclosure measuring 18x18x36 inches for a mature female Panther chameleon. For any chameleon, open-air screen cages are the preferred enclosure type since they allow for better ventilation.
Temperature:
The Ambanja Panther Chameleon needs a heat light to maintain a steady temperature in its enclosure because it is a native of the tropical jungle of Madagascar.
Panther chameleons require a warm region of 90°F (33°C) in around 1/3 of the enclosure and 70°F (21°C) in the remaining cage 10–12 hours each day, according to the care sheet provided by Reptile Centre. The chameleon will be able to get adequate heat this way while still having a place to cool off.
Diet:
The diet of the Ambanja Panther Chameleon is not particular. Ambanja chameleons, like all other panther chameleons, are insectivores and eat a variety of insects such as crickets, roaches, silkworms, stick bugs, superworms, hornworms, and others.
Table
