The Jackson's Chameleon is one of the most popular chameleons seen in the United
States. They are a medium sized chameleon which can attain a total length of 10-14 inches. These chameleons are
generally located in Tanzania and Kenya, and have also been introduced into some of the Hawaiian Islands where they
continue to thrive. They are commonly found in the montane rainforests where the temperatures seldom reach over 85
degrees F. Males of this species are adorned with three horns and resemble a miniature Triceratops. Males are
generally green with shades of blue and yellow, while females can be green, with shades of yellow, brown, and black.
The green and black coloration is usually an indicator that the female is stressed or carrying young. Humidity plays
an important role in their natural habitat and should be mimicked in captivity.
Captive Care
These chameleons are primarily solitary and are easily stressed by another
chameleon or any other types of disturbances. Therefore, it is best that individuals be housed separately for
maximum satisfaction. A screen cage measuring 36"H x 18"W x 18"L or larger should be provided and must be contain
enough foliage for the chameleon to feel secure. The temperatures should be close to that of other popular montane
species, with daytime basking temperatures no higher than 85 degrees and the rest of the cage should be kept in the
low to mid 70's. In nature, this species is used to sufficient night time temperature drops and can handle a dip
into the low 60's at night quite well as long as they are given ample time to warm up the next day.
Reproduction
Jackson's chameleons have been bred in captivity by many keepers and breeders
alike, thus information regarding their reproductive cycle is well documented. Males are usually ready for courtship
once they lay eyes on a female, but this depends on the individual. The male will put on his best colors and pursue
the female with the head bobbing and twitching which is typical of most male chameleons. If she is receptive, the
female will remain calm and evenly colored, otherwise she will turn darker colors and openly express her disagreement.
Often times, a non-receptive female will C.j. xantholophus will rock side to side, open her mouth, and even attempt
to bite the male. Copulation can last anywhere from a few minutes to about thirty minutes.
After a successful mating, the female will increase her food intake and she
will fatten up over the gestation period. Gestation usually lasts from five to nine months. Jackson's chameleons
are ovoviviparous, meaning they give live birth to babies that are contained in a thin membrane. The female Jackson's
chameleon will usually give birth to 8-30 babies per clutch. Due to the longer gestation, a female may only have one
clutch per year, but if the incubation is shorter, ie. 5 months, she may be able to give birth to two clutches in a
single year. C.j.xantholophus can reach sexual maturity at around 6 months of age, but it is often recommended to
wait until they are about a year old before mating.
