Page 7 - Chameleon

CHAMELEON REPRODUCTION
The mating season for the Cha-
meleon can vary based on the
time of year and the location of
them. The sub species that is be-
ing evaluated will also influence
that period of time. All Cha-
meleons lay eggs and that typ-
ically will occur in four weeks
or less after mating takes place.

The eggs can be in clutches ranging
from 4 eggs to 100 eggs depending
on species. The female will create
a nest that is several inches under
the surface of the soil or sand. This
allows the eggs to have warmth and
to be as protected as possible from
predators. Her job is done at that
point and she will leave them there.

The eggs will hatch from 4 to
12 month after mating occurs
(depending on species). They
have to get out of the shells on
their own, find food, find shel-
ter, and avoid predators. There
is often a large mortality rate
of the young Chameleons.

CHAMELEON DISTRIBUTION
Even when you are familiar with the
various locations where the Chame-
leon you may not see them. They do
blend in exceptionally well to their
surroundings. As a result you will
have to try to focus on a given area
and be patient to wait to see if you can
make out the shape of one of them.

There are more than 160 sub spe-
cies of the Chameleon and they
have a huge diversity when it comes
to where they are located. Some of
those common areas include Flori-
da, California, Hawaii, Asia, Sri Lan-
ka, Spain, Madagascar, and Portugal. 5