About the Panther Chameleon
The Panther Chameleon is a fairly large chameleon species from Madagascar. The most fascinating feature of the chameleon is their extraordinarily vibrant coloration and the ability to change their coloration for camouflage against predators. Male Panther Chameleons reach 21 inches in total length with females reaching approximately 13 inches in total length.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Chamaeleonidae
Genus: Furcifer
Species: pardalis
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Chamaeleonidae
Genus: Furcifer
Species: pardalis
Location & Habitat
In Madagascar, Panther Chameleons inhabit coastal areas and nearby islands on the Northern half of the island. On the eastern side of the island, the species ranges from Diego Suarez at the northern tip of the island southward to the area around the town of Tamatave. On the western side of the island, the species ranges from Diego Suarez south to the area around the town of Ankaramy.
http://www.flchams.com/about_panther_chameleons.asp
The Panther Chameleon mainly inhabits lowland, dry deciduous forests close to thin belts of trees bordering rivers and roads. This particular species seems to prefer open habitats that are not overly shaded.
http://www.flchams.com/about_panther_chameleons.asp
The Panther Chameleon mainly inhabits lowland, dry deciduous forests close to thin belts of trees bordering rivers and roads. This particular species seems to prefer open habitats that are not overly shaded.
Human Impact
Chameleons are not used very often in local cuisine. The chameleon is however captured and sold within the international live pet trade. The United States, Europe, and Asia are the major participants within this trafficking.
Interesting Facts
- Female Panther Chameleons are generally fairly drab in coloration
- The tail is prehensile, having the effect of a “fifth hand” allowing the chameleon to hang quite safely by it alone
- Its conical eyes can be moved independently of each other, swivelling like miniature gun-turrets through almost 180 degrees without moving the head
- Chameleons can change color very fast, but contrary to common belief it's not in response to a changing background; they are affected by a complex combination of external and internal clues (light intensity, temperature and emotional state - for example fighting for territories or mating)
Sources
- http://www.pantherchameleoncaresheet.com/
- http://www.redbubble.com/people/anginelson/works/5103808-panther-chameleon-outside
- http://www.flchams.com/about_panther_chameleons.asp
- http://www.jacobsjungle.com/chameleons/panther-chameleon-furcifer-pardalis/
- http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Furcifer_pardalis/
- http://www.durrell.org/animals/reptiles/panther-chameleon/