Camaleão do Iémen

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach 45cm, including the tail

Origin: Yemen and Saudi Arabia

Lifespan: Up to 8 years

Natural Habitat: Wooded areas of Saudi Arabia and Yemen

Like most chameleons, the Camaleão do Iémen is an arboreal species. It inhabits tropical to semi-arid wooded areas of the Arabian Peninsula and is one of the most common chameleon species kept in captivity.

Although this is a species of intermediate difficulty, keeping it in captivity is perfectly achievable by following some basic care guidelines, described in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: At least a 60x45x60cm terrarium for 1 adult

Material: Glass (with mesh top/good airflow) or Mesh

 - Heating and Lighting

During the day, a temperature between 24ºC and 28ºC should be maintained, with a Basking Spot of around 35ºC. At night the temperature can drop to 22ºC. To achieve these temperatures, a Halogen Lamp (to create the Basking Spot) is needed, together with a Ceramic Heat Emitter or a Deep Heat Projector to maintain temperatures throughout the rest of the terrarium day and night.

Regarding ultraviolet radiation, it is essential that during the day they are exposed to a UVI between 3 and 4 (Ferguson Zone 3). To achieve these UV Index levels, 6 to 12% tubular UV lamps can be used depending on the height of the terrarium.

- Humidity

This species requires a relative humidity of at least 50%, ideally around 60%. The terrarium should be misted daily, as these chameleons usually prefer to drink the droplets that collect on leaves.

- Decor

These chameleons feel comfortable among foliage. The terrarium should be furnished with plenty of vertical structure so they can occupy its upper areas. Branches, cork bark, stones and plants can be used, preferably live plants that are safe if ingested. Young animals should not be kept in excessively large terrariums.

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Insectivorous

 Diet: They should be fed live insects daily. They may also be seen eating the live plants in the terrarium. 

- Foods

Insects: Locusts, Crickets, Roaches, Calcium Worms...

- Supplementation

For vitamin and mineral supplementation, alternate a meal dusted with Calcium Powder with one dusted with a good-quality Multivitamin Complex (with Vit. D3). 

Under Portuguese Law No. 95/2017 of 23 August, the sale and/or advertising of wild/exotic animals through websites or online platforms is not permitted. To find out which animals we currently have available and their conditions of sale, please get in touch with us.