What is Jackson's Chameleon?

Jackson's chameleon, scientific name Chamaeleo jacksonii, is a small-to-medium-sized lizard that is normally bright green, but is able to change color. It's also sometimes called the three-horned chameleon because males usually have three horns protruding from the front of their head. These lizards are native to cooler parts of Africa and are commonly sold as pets in the U.S. and other countries. They are relatively easy to care for pets; they don't enjoy being handled too much, however, but can be very interesting to observe. They eat insects and other invertebrates and require a spacious enclosure with plenty of room to climb.

An adult Jackson's chameleon is typically measures about 9 to 13 inches (22.5 to 32.5 cm) including the tail, and males tend to be larger than females. The color of the skin is usually bright green, but it can change hue to blend in with its surroundings or in reaction to mood, temperature, or general health. Jackson's chameleon resembles a miniature triceratops dinosaur, with a similar body shape and a dorsal ridge with a jagged edge. The males develop three horns; one protrudes from the tip of the nose, while the other two emerge from the head above the eyes. Females seldom develop horns; they just have a small nub at the end of their nose.

In the wild, Jackson's chameleon is found in the cooler, humid parts of Africa such as the mountains in Kenya. They are sold as pets in many countries around the world. They are fairly simple to take care of and don't require a lot of handling; many owners find them fascinating to observe. In addition to their color changing ability, they are able to catch prey with their long, sticky tongues at lightening speed and have unique eyes that are able to look in two different directions at the same time.

The preferred diet of Jackson's chameleon consists of insects and other invertebrates including crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, and waxworms. Feedings should occur every other day, and the insects should be dusted with powdered vitamin supplements before being fed to the chameleon. A fresh dish of water should be supplied daily, and water can be dripped on the plants in the habitat as well. The water is needed for both drinking and to maintain comfortable humidity levels so the chameleon is able to shed its skin.

The enclosure or habitat for the Jackson's chameleon needs to be fairly spacious, with plenty of width and height. It should also have plenty of ventilation. There should be a variety of natural or artificial plants and branches available for it to climb on, and the ground should be covered with a substrate like peat or sphagnum moss. UVB lighting needs to be provided to mimic natural sunlight, as well as a ceramic heater or incandescent bulb for warmth. The habitat should be cleaned on a regular basis.

Jackson's Chameleon is renowned for its striking appearance, including three prominent horns on males, resembling a triceratops. This species exhibits vibrant green coloration, which can change in response to temperature, mood, and light. Native to East Africa, they have a prehensile tail and independent eye movement, allowing them to scan for prey and predators effectively.

Jackson's Chameleons are insectivores, primarily feeding on a variety of insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. They use their long, sticky tongues to capture prey from a distance. In captivity, it's crucial to provide a diet rich in calcium and vitamins to maintain their health, often achieved by 'gut-loading' or dusting insects with supplements.

Jackson's Chameleons are ovoviviparous, meaning females give birth to live young after carrying eggs internally. A single litter can range from 8 to 30 babies. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), gestation lasts approximately 4 to 6 months, and the young are independent almost immediately after birth.

In their natural habitat, Jackson's Chameleons typically live for about 5 to 10 years. Captive care can extend their lifespan, with some individuals reaching up to 12 years with proper husbandry. Factors influencing their longevity include diet, environmental conditions, and stress levels.

Jackson's Chameleons are arboreal, spending most of their time in trees. Their zygodactylous feet—two toes pointing forward and two backward—provide a strong grip on branches. Their prehensile tail acts as a fifth limb for balance. Camouflage is their primary defense, changing color to blend with their surroundings and avoid predators.

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Jackson's Chameleons are listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List, indicating they are not currently at high risk of extinction in the wild. However, habitat destruction and the pet trade can impact populations, so conservation efforts remain important to ensure their continued survival.