Chameleons

Information about Chameleons:

Chameleons are a family of reptiles native to various environments around the world – from deserts to tropical rain forests. They are found in Africa, Southern Europe, Asia. They have also been introduced to Hawaii, California and Florida where they have established permanent colonies. They are known for two very distinctive abilities; capturing prey with a long darting tongue and changing colors – either to express mood or for camouflage purposes.

Despite popular belief, chameleons to not have sticky tongues. They in fact are muscular and it is these muscles that “grab” the prey. They are omnivorous, feeding mostly on insects but also eating plant matter such as leaves, blossoms and fruit. They are very popular pets and thousands are sold each year for the pet industry. While they are sold in large number, many beginners have difficultly in keeping them, as chameleons have very strict diet, lighting and temperature requirements. When a chameleon is unhappy or ill it’s colors will fade and it will not eat, eventually starving itself. There are dozens of species of chameleon, and more are discovered each year.