Keeping and Breeding of Parson’s Chameleon (Calumma parsonii (Cuvier, 1824)) at BION Terrarium Center
BION Terrarium Center has many years of experience in keeping Parson’s chameleon (Calumma parsonii (Cuvier, 1824))
This chameleon species was first described as Cameleonis rariss in 1768 by James Parsons. Being identified and named after James Parsons (the chameleon of Parson) by George Cuvier in 1824, Chamaeleo parsonii parsonii is the largest Malagasy species of the Chamaeleonidae family.
Parson’s chameleons are endemic to areas of humid primary forests of northern and eastern shores of Madagascar. They also inhabit high-altitude cool tropical rainforests of St. Mary’s Island. There are 2 subspecies known (Nečas, 2004).
Keeping. We keep adults in vertical terrariums 200*100*150 cm (79*39*59 in). Decoration includes several branches for climbing, artificial and living plants and lianas.We use no substrate.
Lighting. We use Zoo Med 5 UVB lamp for providing lighting, heating and UV. The lighting period is 12/12 hours at summer period and 8/16 hours at autumn-winter-spring period.
Temperature. Daytime temperature is +23 – +25 °C (73.4 – 77.0 F) (for 12 hours), nighttime: +18 – +20 °C (64.4 –68.0 F) (for 12 hours).
Humidity. Humidity level is 80–90% with 2–3 sessions of intensive spraying during the day. We provide first spray 1 hour after turning the heating off, when animals are warmed-up enough.
Water. We use a drip irrigation system for 30 minutes 2 times a day.
Diet. Diet consists of crickets, Turkestan cockroaches and locusts (without the hind legs). For adults food is provided every other day (3-5 insects per head). We offer “Repashy” supplements every feeding.
