Description:
Scientific name: Trioceros hoehnelli
Life span: 4-6 years
The chameleon Trioceros hoehnelli is tiny to medium-sized. Over the course of its range, coloration varies greatly. It may be seen soaking up the sun in the morning, almost all black to absorb the heat energy from the sun. This species features a single rostral horn, a spiney throat crest, and a serrated back crest. The casque, horn, and tail base of males are often larger than those of females.
Native Region/Habitat
Eastern Africa is the sole home of the species. In Kenya and Uganda, T. hoehnelii can be found.
Behavior:
The high-casqued chameleon exhibits the same territorial behavior as the majority of chameleons in east Africa. Males hiss at each other, become black, and compress their bodies to make them appear larger if they are grouped together. Males who are dominant have vividly colored patterns that set them apart from females or inferior males. These patterns frequently last until the dominant male is defeated during a courtship fight.
During the mating season, T. hoehnelli establishes strong pair bonds that last the entire five-month pregnancy. Usually, the couple separates after the birth. The high-casqued chameleon extends its tongue to ensnare its prey, which it typically consumes as small insects and spiders. It can extend the tongue farther than the length of the body.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
With this species, we always advise a glass or mesh enclosure to promote airflow. A size of roughly 45x45x60 would be appropriate for one adult who is fully developed. To assist keep the humidity levels stable, blend cyprus mulch with orchid bark. Secure climbing spaces can be created using branches and artificial plants, or you can go bio-active and utilize live plants (nontoxic plants).
This species can happily survive at ambient temperature with a small basking area because it does not require a high temperature. They need to be able to warm up throughout the daytime even though they can survive chilly nights in the wild at -2C. The lamp should be connected to a dimming thermostat, and it is recommended to create a low basking area of 22 to 25 degrees Celsius. Provide a 6% UVB strip or compact bulb, as they only need a tiny quantity of UV to assist in the production of calcium.
Feed the Von Hohnel’s Chameleon crickets, locusts, wax worms, houseflies, and the occasional mealworm for a varied diet of insects. It is recommended to sprinkle a calcium and vitamin supplement over the food; please read the directions for each individual product. A waterfall will help encourage the chameleon to drink while also raising humidity levels. Gently mist the plants in the cage in the morning and evening.
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