Panther Chameleon

Panther  Chameleon

Furcifer Pardalis-Class: Reptilia Kingdom: Anamalia Family: Chamaeleonidae

Anatomy:  - The color can range from blue, purple, yellow, green,  pink, red, orange, and black. The males are more colorful than the females. - A male panther chameleon can weigh between 140 and 180 grams and have a body length between 12 to 18 inches. - A female panther chameleon can weigh between 60 and 100 grams and have a body length between 10 to 14 inches.  - A female panther chameleon can usually live between 2-3 years if she is birthing and males or non birthing females can live 5-7 years.  - Chameleons have hooded heads that allow them to collect water and swiveling eyes help them see their prey.

Reproduction:  - Breeding occurs between January and May. - When carrying eggs, females turn dark brown or black with orange striping to signify to males they have no intention of mating.  - The gestation period is 30-45 days. - Females will lay 5-8 times in their life. -Females can lay between 10 and 40 eggs per clutch, depending on the food and nutrient consumption during the period of development. - Eggs typically buried in burrows and hatch in 240 days.  -Baby chameleons are independent at birth. - The babies are usually black, grey, and white when born.

Behavior:  - Panther chameleons live alone and like to live alone.  - Chameleons can look at 2 different  things at the same time because their eyes are moving independently.  - Panther chameleons are the most docile of all chameleons but should not  be handled on a daily basis. Chameleons can be a pet but don't like to be held all the time.

Habitat:  - The panther chameleon is native to Madagascar.  - They live a the tropical forest biome. - They live in the tropical trees and bushes that live on the island.  - They stay off the ground to avoid predators.  - Their feet have evolved to allow them to hang on all branches.

Enemies and Survival: - The panther chameleons will primarily eat worms that are available in the wild, as also insects like crickets, grasshoppers, roaches, etc. -Chameleons are at the bottom of the food chain. Snakes, birds, and sometimes even monkeys would also prey upon the panther chameleons. -A Panther Chameleon has no symbiotic relationships with any species.