If you are thinking of getting a chameleon for a pet, then knowing how long they live is key. In this article I intend to tell you everything you need to know about the lifespan of these quirky-eyed, colorful, slow-paced reptiles.
Here is a summary;
- In captivity, chameleons can live for 2 to 10 years.
- In the wild, the average lifespan of a chameleon is 2 to 3 years.
Chameleons are mostly found in Sub-Saharan Africa. They change color whenever they are in danger or when they want to signal their sexuality to the opposite gender.
The Average Lifespan of a Chameleon
Here is a table showing the average lifespan of chameleons in captivity, by species.
| Chameleon Species | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Jackson’s chameleon (Chameleon jacksoni) | 3 to 5 years. |
| Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) | 3 to 6+ years. |
| Oustalet’s chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti) | 3 to 7+ years |
| Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) | 3 to 7+ years. |
| Four horned chameleons (Trioceros quadricornis) | 3 to 5 years. |
| Pygmy chameleon (Rhampholean sp.) | 1to 2 years. |
| Parson’s chameleon (Calumma parsonii) | 15 to 20+ years. |
| Carpet chameleon (Furcifer lateralis) | 2 to 4 years. |
| Meller’s chameleon (Chamaeleo melleri) | 5 to 10 years. |
| Senegal chameleon (Chamaeleo senegalensis) | 2 to 3 years. |
| Fischer’s chameleon (Kinyongia multituberculata) | 3 to 5 years. |
| Rudis chameleon (Trioceros rudis/sternfeldi) | 3 to 4 years. |
| Giant spiny chameleon (Furcifer verrucosus) | 3 to 5 years. |
How Long Do Veiled Chameleons Live?
A veiled chameleon is a chameleon that has a covering on its head known as a casque.[1]
The purpose of this casque is to direct water that falls on the chameleon into its mouth. This is because the Veiled chameleon lives in the dry areas of Yemen.
Female veiled chameleons have a lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild and 3-5 years for the males. In captivity, the lifespan is up to 5 years for females and 8 years for males.
How Long Do Panther Chameleons Live?
The panther chameleon has a lifespan of 5 to 7 years when properly cared for but also has registered shorter lifespans in poor conditions.
Like most chameleons and reptiles, the key to a healthy life in captivity is the proper ecosystem, good nutrition, and a good grasp of the reptile’s needs. This includes the habitat set up, water, humidity, and temperature. Including branches to mimic the dense jungles of Madagascar will also be a good idea.
Panther chameleons are one of the most colorful reptiles. Thanks to their ability to change to various vibrant neon hues, these popular lizards have become high in demand.
Initially from the lowlands of northern and eastern Madagascar and surrounding islands, panther chameleons have had an interesting history in captivity.
How Long Do Jackson Chameleons Live
The Jackson’s Chameleon can live 4 to 10 years in captivity.
Jackson’s chameleon prefers a cold environment during the night and does not do well in very hot areas where they could get infections.
The male Jackson’s chameleons are easily noticeable by the 3 horns on its head, comparable to the extinct triceratops dinosaur, or at least a smaller version of it.
This trait gives it its other name The Kikuyu Three-horned chameleon, Kikuyu referring to the place they were originally found in Kenya, Africa.
Frederick Jackson who the chameleon is named after was an ornithologist and governor of Kenya. The species is also found in Northern Tanzania. They were introduced to Hawaii in 1972 and Florida later on.
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Do Chameleons Make Good Pets?
If you are in love with these bulbous-eyed creatures, you might be wondering chameleons make good pets.
Chameleons are mostly recommended to an experienced reptile pet parent. It might not be the best pet when you have never cared for a reptile before.
Here are some factor to consider;
- Minimal Handling. If you love cuddling your pet this wouldn’t be the best option.
- Low Levels of Activity – Chameleons are not high-energy pets and would prefer to be cozy and beautiful on a branch somewhere. Touching them can cause them stress.
- Cage and Kit Requirements. This will mean regulating the temperature of the cage, ensuring the habitat has trees (real or artificial) since chameleons are arboreal, also making the cage tall and wide enough, and having a hygrometer to measure the humidity level.
- Dietary Requirements. For chameleons, feeding time is hunting time. If you are ok with watching the chameleon lash its tongue to catch an insect or bug then the chameleon is the pet for you.
Conclusion
Knowing how long your chameleon will live is a significant part of responsible pet ownership.
Here are some conclusive details:
- Chameleons on average live 2 to 3 years in the wild.
- As a pet, the lifespan ranges between 2 to 10 years.
- Male chameleons tend to live longer than female chameleons.
- The right kind of care for the specific species is needed to elongate its life expectancy.
Keeping the above in mind, a color-changing pet has the potential to provide needed years of companionship for you and/or your family.
