Panther chameleon
Furcifer pardalis
There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it can be kept as a pet in their jurisdiction.
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Assessment results
Moderate risk
Conservation | Low risk
This animal is most likely not threatened by extinction, and/or the exotic pet trade does not impact the wild population. Please check that the animal you want comes from a reputable seller or rescue center that follows best practices when they source their animals.
Legality | Low risk
This animal is not currently protected by any national laws or import restrictions. Exotic pet ownership, however, is regulated at the state, county, or city level, so check your jurisdiction to see if you can own it.
Human and public health | Moderate risk
It is likely that this animal is a potential threat to human or public health, either due to potential zoonotic diseases or due to physical attributes that can harm humans. Learn more about animal-related illness and injuries.
Invasiveness | Moderate risk
This species could negatively impact native biodiversity or habitats. However, never release a pet into the wild for any reason. Learn more about invasive species.
Animal welfare | Moderate risk
Care, diet, and housing needs of this species are either insufficiently known or difficult, making it hard to ensure it has a good quality of life for its lifetime. Learn more about the challenges with exotic pet welfare.
⚠️ Important considerations
- Most reptiles carry salmonella in their intestinal tract and may not be suitable for young children or immuno-compromised individuals. Always practice good hygiene and hand washing around chameleons.
- Panther chameleons are an introduced species in Florida with an established breeding population through escaped captive individuals. If you can no longer keep your pet, contact your local rescue center, responsible pet store, accredited zoo, veterinarian, or other trusted home to find someone that can take it in. Never release a pet outside, into the wild.
- Panther chameleon housing and dietary needs require additional knowledge and effort that can be challenging to properly meet. They need a tall and large vivarium with plenty of branches for climbing, places to hide and rest, and good ventilation. Their enclosure needs a gradient of temperatures (77ºF on the cool end and 89ºF on the warm end) in their environment to be able to regulate their own body temperature, proper humidity (50-70%), and proper amounts of UVA. Panther chameleons are prone to metabolic bone disease without UV light exposure and enough calcium and vitamin D3. They also need a sufficient amount of Vitamin A in their diet. The substrate used in their environment is important and should not be something they could ingest.
- As with all pet reptiles, ensure there is access to a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find a reptile vet near you.
Basic information
Taxonomy:
Squamata, Chamaeleonidae
Lifespan:
1- 3 years in the wild, 5 years on average in captivity
Weight:
Up to 7 oz. (42.5 g)
Size:
10-18 in. long (25-46 cm)
Native range and habitat:
Lowlands and dry deciduous forests of Madagascar
Diet:
Mainly terrestrial invertebrates
Activity and behavior:
- Solitary animals and territorial to a particular tree or shrub, so they generally should be housed alone
- Diurnal and most active during the daytime
© WWF-Japan