Jackson's chameleon is still not very common among lovers of exotics. But judging by his appearance, he still has everything ahead.
This animal is primarily notable for the presence of three horns on its face, for which it was nicknamed three-horned or horned. Like all relatives, he has a certain talent for disguise. Jackson's chameleon reproduces well in a terrarium. It is interesting to watch him; he does not require complicated care. These reptiles are suitable even for not very experienced breeders.
External Description of Jackson's Chameleon
It seems that his emerald skin is embroidered with small beads. This reptile is beautiful, despite its peculiar appearance.
Jackson's chameleon has a compact body with a sawtooth back and a long tail, which he uses both as a balancer and as an additional support when walking through the trees.
The head is not large. Only males of the three-horned Jackson chameleon have spectacular growths, females do not.
The limbs are strong, with opposed fingers designed to grip.
The tongue is long and agile, twice the length of the chameleon itself. This organ is very well developed, because it is the main hunting tool. At the end is an iron that secretes a sticky secret.
Habitat, habitat
Scientists distinguish three subspecies of Jackson's chameleon. They hardly differ in appearance, but their ranges are located in different places.
- Chamaeleo jacksonii jacksonii lives in Kenya, in the vicinity of the capital of Nairobi. In length reaches 30 cm.
- Chamaeleo jacksonii merumonta is slightly smaller, up to 25 cm. Its homeland is Tanzania, or rather, the surroundings of Mount Meru.
- Chamaeleo jacksonii xantholophus is the largest among the brethren; it grows to 35 cm. It lives in the peripheral regions of Kenya.
These animals are hunters. The basis of their diet is the insects that they catch, instantly throwing out their tongue moistened with sticky liquid. Large specimens sometimes prey on small rodents.
Home Maintenance: Terrarium Design
Professional reptile breeders speak of Jackson's chameleon as one of those reptiles that will suit a novice too. But the content will be successful only with strict adherence to some simple rules.
These are territorial animals. It is categorically impossible to settle two males in one terrarium. Such experiments never end successfully, chameleons fight until one of them dies.
It is acceptable to keep a couple, but in this case the chance of having offspring will noticeably decrease. A single chameleon content is preferred. They do not experience the inconvenience of lack of communication.
The terrarium needs a vertical, with a height of at least a meter. Width and depth - approximately 60-80 cm. Be sure to set a vertical snag or piece of wood bark so that the pet can walk.
Mandatory shading. Chameleons sometimes like to hide. You can do with artificial greens, but living looks more beautiful and regulates humidity. Dracaena or ficus is suitable for planting in the ground (both plants are poisonous, but the pet will not bite them).
UV lamp is an essential attribute of a terrarium. Jackson's chameleon is viviparous, they need ultraviolet rays. A special lamp for reptiles is perfect, with which you can solve the issue of heating.
Twice a day, the pet’s home should be moistened with a spray bottle.
The substrate is not needed. You can cover the bottom with plain paper, this will facilitate cleaning.
Nutrition
You can feed Jackson's horned chameleon with feed insects, bloodworms, special reptile food, which includes valuable additives. Feel free to treat your pet with local insects: cockroaches, larvae, crickets. It is important that the size of the prey does not exceed the distance between the eyes of the chameleon. According to this indicator, you can safely navigate, selecting insects for feeding.
Mandatory drinker. It is advisable to spend money on an artificial waterfall. Remember: in the natural environment of Jackson's chameleon, torrential rains are frequent, air humidity does not drop below 50%. Without enough moisture, your animal will suffer, get sick and may even die.
Possibility of breeding and price
The cost of a grown Jackson chameleon can reach 25-30 thousand. Cubs are in the range of 8-20 thousand.
These reptiles can be bred for profit. But keeping partners together and even in neighboring aquariums is not worth it. Over time, the male simply ceases to perceive the female as a sexual partner.
Instincts can be awakened a little by showing the future father another male. He begins to get angry, show activity. In some cases, the same effect can even be done with a mirror - the male will react to his own image.
Partners are placed in one container for 3 days. It is especially necessary to monitor humidity. Spray reptiles generously with water.
Willingness to mate is marked by a marriage dance. The eggs in the soft shell ripen inside the body of the female, the first birth occurs 7 months after mating. In the future, the pet will be able to give offspring 4 times a year.