Description: From the tropical rainforest areas of West Africa, this small (6" to 8"), basic looking chameleon is imported in large numbers. Most of them die off from poor care or the various diseases and run-away parasite infestations that result from the stress of capture and transport. The few that survive and/or get treatment are otherwise very hardy, easy to keep and may become tame. A voracious hunter that will eat much more than you should feed it. Healthy specimens are various shades of green or brown most of the time but will quickly darken if annoyed of frightened. The head is concave between the eyes to collect rainwater. If well cared for, they can live for up to 7 years, 4 to 5 years is more common. Sub-adults (under 4") may be raised communally but adult males are territorial and should not be kept together. Adult females will be aggressive towards males when not receptive to breeding. It is best to house all adults separately to avoid undue stress. These chameleons are sensitive to changes in their environment or routine, even to the point that some individuals may become stressed if a substitute person feeds them.

Temperature: Daytime 72 to 85°F with a warmer basking area and about a 5° or so drop at night. Temps near 60°F are not tolerated well.

Humidity: Medium to high, 60-90%, misting 1 or 2 times a day may be needed.

Feeding: Voracious, use care not to overfeed. Adults only need 1 to 3 food items per day, skipping food for 1 or 2 days per week. Breeding females, growing young or acclimating individuals should be fed more. They will eat a large variety of insects including crickets, mealworms, super worms, earthworms and silkworms. Dust the food items with a calcium and vitamin supplement about twice a week for adults and more often for young, growing chameleons. Can learn to be hand fed. A water bowl is not needed, they generally do not drink from standing water but rather drink from droplets. Mist the enclosure once or twice a day to provide moisture, more often on hot, dry days.

Habitat: A 29-gallon high or larger aquarium or a window screen cage (a misting system may be necessary) of at least 16"W x 16"D x 30"H is fine for each specimen. A humid tropical jungle is required with lots of climbing branches/vines and an open area for basking. A water drip system or better yet, a mist system will supply a constant water source. Housing them outdoors when the weather is appropriate is very beneficial.

Sexing: Sexual maturity is reached at about six months of age. Adult males have 2 hemipenal bulges, one on each side on the bottom of the tail-base.

Breeding: Senegal chameleons in good condition can be bred several times in a year. Be sure to provide the female with more food and extra vitamin/mineral supplements prior to breeding. A female that is aggressive towards the male is not ready to breed and the pair should be separated to try again at a later date. If she is receptive, copulation occurs right away. Gestation can take from 2½ to 3½ months at which time 20 to 60 eggs will be laid in a nest that the female digs in soft soil.
The eggs may be carefully removed with the nest intact to incubate them as laid. The more common method is to remove them without changing their orientation for incubation in vermiculite, inside plastic containers. At around 82°F, the eggs should hatch in about 6 months or so. The babies can be cared for in the same manor as adults.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna