Panther Chameleon - Five Sisters Zoo

Endemic to Madagascar (found only there), the Panther Chameleon is perhaps best known for its incredibly vibrant colouration. While males and females are both able to shift their colouring, females are only found in shades of brown, pink and peach. The colour change in males is thought to be related to not just environment (temperature, humidity, etc.) but also used a communication tool and part of mating behaviour. The cells which contain these pigments, called chromatophores, are activated when the lizard tenses or relaxes the skin on its body, causing the colour shifts and patterns to emerge.

Diet: Insectivore; eats invertebrates such as roaches, crickets and grasshoppers.

Weight:  140 to 200 g

Length: 24-50cm, with males being approximately 2x the size of females

Habitat: Madagascar; primarily northeastern coastal areas of lowland scrub and forest. They are also commonly found in areas of high human disturbance, including roadside vegetation and around human habitation.

Life Span: 2-5 years in the wild, up to 7 years in captivity

Adapted to Survive

  • Long, sticky tongues propel out of their mouth in order to catch moving prey
  • Both eyes can move independently, allowing them to focus on two things at once and view things coming both to the side and behind them
  • Specialized fused toes and a prehensile tail allow them to cling to branches.

Threats

  • Pet trade
  • Habitat degradation

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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