YEMEN (VEILED) CHAMELEON (Chamaeleo calyptratus )

FAMILY      Chameleonidae

DISTRIBUTION       The Yemen chameleon has a range that consists of Africa, the middle east and Madagascar.

SIZE      The adult male Yemen can reach lengths of between 18-24ins where as the female is generally smaller measuring only about 14ins.

LIFESPAN      The average lifespan in Yemen Chameleons in captivity is approximately between 3-5 years, however over breeding a female can reduce this time dramatically.

INTRODUCTION        With their vivid colour changing ability and the fascinating way they catch their food and move their eyes independently of each other is any wonder why they are a favourite amongst the reptile hobbyist and non hobbyist.

HOUSING       Hatchlings and juveniles can be housed in 15 gallon terrarium but as soon as they turn around 4-5 months old they should be separated as this is around the age they reach sexual maturity and also the males will fight for territory. Once they have reached adulthood a suitable size vivarium should be at least 24ins long x 24ins deep x 36ins high. The vivarium must be tall as the Yemen is an arboreal species and needs plenty of room climb. There should be plenty of logs and branches for climbing along with plenty of vegetation for hiding areas as they can become stressed out very easily. There should be plenty of ventilation provided and some kind of small pool or waterfall for the chameleons to drink from although most will only drink water droplets from the leaves of the plants.

SUBSTRATE       A good substrate for chameleons would be one that  hold moisture as they need a high humidity level in the vivarium. Substrates like forest bed or a potting compost would do the job well.

HEAT & LIGHT      Heat mats should not be used in the vivarium that your chameleon is housed in, instead you should try and heat the vivarium from the outside. The temperature of the vivarium should be around 21°c (70°f) at the cooler end with the warmer end reaching about 27°c (81°f). The basking area should reach a temperature of around 35°c (95°f). At night the temperature can drop to about 18°c (64°f).

Yemens require a full spectrum uvb light which must have a minimum uvb output of at least 8.0% and a good position for this light might by around the basking area to ensure optimum  exposure.

The Yemen Chameleon also requires spraying at least twice a day as to maintain a humidity level of at least 60-80%.

FEEDING      Yemen Chameleons are mainly insectivorous so a diet consisting of crickets, locusts or other small insects are usually a good diet for them along with some vegetation such as blossoms,dandelions,and ficus, however this diet needs to be supplemented with a calcium supplement at least twice a week. they should be fed every other day and you could try varying the diet on each feed to encourage good feeding habits. Hatchlings and juveniles should be fed daily.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS       Males can become very stressed if they are in sight of another male, and females are known to become fatally egg bound. Another common problem is that they are prone to becoming dehydrated due to the fact that they do only tend to drink droplets of water and if the vivarium isn't sprayed enough they often don't get enough to drink. One other common problem id metabolic bone disease, so it is vital to provide them with calcium supplements and uvb lighting.