Chamaeleo Gracilis – Graceful Chameleon

The Graceful Chameleon or chamaeleo gracilis is one of several popular pet chameleon species. It can grow up to 15 inches but is 12 inches on average. It is a sturdy species that can last eight to ten years with proper care (Reptilecity/TheRadZoo). Its size, longevity and population makes it a popular pet.

The graceful chameleon is often green, yellow and brown in colour with a green band on the side of its body and several spots. Its head has a small bony prominence at the back of the head or casque. The males of the species have bright yellow-orange skin on the throat (ARKive).

Chamaeleo Gracilis is native to sub-Saharan Africa. They range from countries like Senegal up to Sudan and Ethiopia down to Angola and West Tanzania (ARKive). They occupy diverse habitats from dry and humid forests, savannah, bushes as well as the edges of plantations. Due to its large range and population, it is not listed in the IUCN Redlist of endangered species but is listed in CITES Appendix II (ARKive). It is highly exported as pets and as ingredients of traditional medicine but with a minimum annual quota.

Like most chameleons, Chamaeleo Gracilis is very territorial and lives life in solitary except during mating season. They are best kept alone in large enclosures. For this fairly large species, a high enclosure equal to a 70 gallon tank is best (Animal World) and should be equipped with plants, natural or artificial for it to climb on. Also, like most chameleons, hydration consists of regular spraying of its surroundings as well as high humidity of its environment.

References:

1) Animal World – animal-world.com/encyclo/reptiles/lizards_chameleons/GracefulChameleon.php
2) ARKive – www.arkive.org/graceful-chameleon/chamaeleo-gracilis/
3) Reptilecity – www.reptilecity.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=G3&Category_Code=Chameleon
4) TheRadZoo – www.theradzoo.com/meet-the-animals/lizards/graceful-chameleon/
5) CITES Appendix II – cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php

Images:

1) Main image supplied by Martin D.Parr
2) Sub images supplied by Martin D.Parr