🦎 General Info

Panther Chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) are among the most colorful and visually stunning chameleon species in the world. Native to the coastal and lowland forests of Madagascar, they are renowned for their vivid reds, blues, greens, and oranges, which vary depending on locale, subspecies, and sex. Adult males are larger and more vibrantly colored than females, typically reaching 12–20 inches in total length, while females are smaller and less intensely colored.

Panther Chameleons are generally solitary, slow-moving, and can become accustomed to the presence of keepers, though they do not enjoy frequent handling. With proper care, they can live 5–8 years, with males often living longer due to lower reproductive stress.

1. Enclosure

Size

Panther Chameleons are arboreal and require tall, well-ventilated enclosures:

  • Adult males: Minimum 24” x 24” x 48”

  • Adult females: Minimum 18” x 18” x 36–48”

  • Juveniles: 16” x 16” x 30”

Height and ventilation are far more important than floor space.

Material

  • Screen enclosures are ideal for airflow and humidity balance

  • PVC/screen hybrid enclosures are also effective if ventilated properly

  • Avoid fully glass tanks, which can trap stagnant air and cause respiratory issues

Décor

  • Multiple climbing branches and vines

  • Dense foliage for security

  • Horizontal and vertical pathways for natural movement

  • Live plants: Pothos, Schefflera, Ficus, Hibiscus

Substrate

  • Not required for arboreal species

  • Can use bioactive soil or leaf litter on the floor to help retain humidity

  • Avoid loose gravel or sand to prevent ingestion and mold issues

2. Temperature & Lighting

Temperatures

  • Basking Spot: 85–90°F (males), 80–85°F (females)

  • Ambient Temperature: 75–80°F

  • Cool Side: 70–75°F

  • Night Temperature: 65–72°F (can briefly drop to 60°F)

Heating

  • Use a low-wattage halogen or LED basking bulb

  • Avoid heat mats or rocks, which can overheat or dry the enclosure

Lighting

  • UVB is essential for bone health and overall physiology

  • T5 HO 5.0–6% UVB for standard enclosures, or 10–12% if distance from the basking branch is significant

  • Provide a 12-hour day/night cycle

  • Full-spectrum lighting supports plant growth and encourages natural behavior

3. Humidity & Hydration

Panther Chameleons do not drink from standing water and require misting or dripping systems.

Humidity

  • Daytime: 50–60%

  • Nighttime: 80–100%

  • Regular misting or automated systems are necessary to maintain hydration

Hydration Methods

  • Automatic misting system 2–4 times daily

  • Dripper system to allow drinking from leaves

  • Optional hand misting for juveniles or supplemental hydration

Ensure the enclosure partially dries during the day to prevent bacterial growth.

4. Diet

Panther Chameleons are strict insectivores.

Staple Foods

  • Dubia roaches

  • Crickets

  • Silkworms

  • Black soldier fly larvae

  • Hornworms (as a treat)

Occasional Treats

  • Superworms

  • Waxworms (sparingly)

  • Mealworms (sparingly)

Feeding Schedule

  • Juveniles: Daily

  • Adults: Every 2–3 days

Supplements

  • Calcium without D3: Every feeding

  • Calcium with D3: 2× per month

  • Reptile multivitamin: 2× per month

Gut-load all insects for optimal nutrition.

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

  • Solitary and visual; do not tolerate cohabitation

  • Shy and easily stressed by handling

  • Calm and slow-moving; display behaviors through color and body posture

Handling

  • Minimal handling recommended

  • Allow the chameleon to walk onto your hand rather than grabbing

  • Avoid sudden movements or excessive interaction

Enrichment

  • Dense foliage for hiding

  • Climbing branches and vines

  • Occasional rearrangement of décor

  • Supervised natural sunlight exposure

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan

  • 5–8 years, occasionally longer in optimal care

Common Health Issues

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): from improper UVB or calcium

  • Dehydration: from insufficient misting or hydration

  • Respiratory infections: due to poor ventilation

  • Eye infections

  • Parasites

  • Stress-related illness due to frequent handling or poor husbandry

Signs of Illness

  • Lethargy or closed eyes during daytime

  • Gaping or wheezing

  • Refusal to eat

  • Sudden weight loss or color dullness

  • Discharge from eyes or mouth

Vet Care

Seek a reptile veterinarian if symptoms occur, especially respiratory distress, persistent dehydration, or significant weight loss.

🦎 Final Notes

Panther Chameleons are stunning, display-focused reptiles that require intermediate to advanced care. They thrive when provided tall, ventilated enclosures, proper UVB lighting, regular hydration, and a varied insect diet. While not suitable for frequent handling, they are fascinating to observe and can live long, healthy lives with careful husbandry.