If you’re looking for an interesting exotic pet then the chameleon is one of the first things you have probably thought about.
But did you know that there are several different types of the chameleon and each one has its own quirks and reasons why it makes an excellent pet.
The panther chameleon is one of the most popular choices when it comes to keeping these incredible reptiles as pets. But why is this? Is there something extra special about them, or is it more a matter of convenience?
Well, in truth, the panther chameleon is one of the prettier chameleons to look at since it has a huge array of base colors. However, this is just one of the reasons that we love these beautiful animals.
In this guide, we are going to be providing you with details on why the panther chameleon would make an excellent addition to your family.
A Little Bit About The Panther Chameleon
One of the most interesting things about the panther chameleon is that they can only be found in a very small corner of the world.
The panther chameleon is native to Madagascar, particularly the coastal regions in the north of the island.
They enjoy the warm and humid climate of these areas and will often be found in the trees and bushes that line the coast.
These animals have 360º vision and incredibly long tongues that allow them to hunt and catch their prey in a very unique way.
They will feed on a variety of insects and worms although it isn’t unheard of for them to enjoy the odd bird or small rodent in the wild.
However, when they are kept in captivity, it is more common to provide them with an insect-based diet.
Why Do Panther Chameleons Make Good Pets?
It takes nothing more than to look at a panther chameleon to fall quickly in love with these beautiful creatures.
But is their beauty a cover for something or are these just all-round amazing animals?
If you’re looking for an exotic pet, there are a few reasons that we would consider the panther chameleon to be a real contender.
They Have Amazing Colours
One of the biggest reasons that so many people fall for the panther chameleon is its incredible colors.
If there is one thing that these lizards are famous for it is the fact that they can change color to camouflage in with their surroundings.
But what a lot of people are not aware of is that not all chams change color equally.
There are a lot of species that move between a small range of neutral shades such as browns, oranges and even greys and blacks.
However, there is something special about the panther chameleon since it has a far wider range of base colors that make it incredibly beautiful to look at.
If you want a chameleon that displays everything from bright blues to rich reds and lush greens, then this is the pet for you.
What’s even more interesting is that the panther chameleon takes its colors from where it lives; different individuals from different parts of Madagascar will have markedly different colors.
They Are Great For Breeders
Now, before we get into this point, let us stress that we would only recommend breeding panther chameleon, or any animal, for that matter, if you have the knowledge and experience to do so safely.
However, if this applies to you then the panther cham is one of the best options for breeding.
They reach sexual maturity by around the age of 7 months although it isn’t usually a good idea to breed them until they are 12 months.
Moreover, they will breed all year round which makes it much easier.
The females will lay as many as 40 eggs per clutch and when they are gravid, the females will display some very interesting color combinations.
They Are Docile
Nobody wants an aggressive pet and while the male panther chameleon can become very territorial in the wild, when kept in captivity, both sexes are pretty laid back.
This can make caring for them much easier. Of course, there is the notion that caring for any type of chameleon is challenging.
We would point out that chams do require a lot of care and attention but if you can provide a stable and safe environment, most will thrive.
Provided that they are happy and healthy, you shouldn’t have too many problems with aggression and your panther chameleon.
Most of them don’t love to be held but if you have the patience to bond with your pet, many of them will tolerate it without a fuss.
They Are Intelligent
A lot of people think that reptiles aren’t the smartest class of animals but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Of course, every reptile has a different level of intelligence but the panther chameleon is up there with some of the best.
For example, if you take on a panther chameleon, these super-smart creatures have been known to be able to recognize their owners in as little as just one week!
It pays to keep in mind that the better care you offer, the more likely it is that your cham will come to recognize you and this proves that not all cold-blooded animals are, in fact, ‘cold-blooded.’
They Are Great For Beginners
Earlier, we touched on the fact that chameleons are one of the more challenging reptiles to take care of.
However, everyone has to start somewhere and the panther chameleon is a great choice for newbies to the world of exotic pets.
You see, one of the best things is that these animals are so readily available; plus, there is a wealth of information online to help you get to know your pet and offer it the best care.
They are pretty hardy little animals and so will be able to put up with some minor fluctuations while you get used to caring for them.
Of course, we would always advise you to do as much research as possible before adopting your pet to prevent problems.
Conclusion
There are several different types of chameleon that are often kept as pets. Yet one of the most common is the panther chameleon.
This is likely due to its wide range of colors as well as being an intelligent pet that is easy to care for, especially if you’ve never looked after this type of animal in the past.
