Panther chameleon

Furcifer pardalis

Fascinating Facts

• Male panther chameleons have intense patterns that vary depending on the area they are from.
• Females are usually more dull, resembling their habitat, but can communicate via color changes.
• Chameleon eyes move independently but focus together on prey to provide stereoscopic vision with depth perception.
• Chameleon feet are zygodactyl (like parrots) with two toes pointing forward and two pointing back, making them great climbers!
• Their tongue can stretch to 1.5 – 2 times the length of their body!

Habitat/Diet

Scrub and forest areas, both natural and disturbed. Chameleons prefer to be up in trees or shrubs off the ground, and need high humidity. They have a very long, fast tongue, which they use to catch insects. They will also eat small birds, other reptiles, and amphibians.

Status in the Wild

Least Concern – IUCN 2011

Range

Warm lowland or coastal habitats in northern Madagascar

Location in the Zoo

Reptiles and Birds Zone in the Sculpture Learning Plaza