Veiled Chameleon

Veiled Chameleon
Description
Veiled Chameleons are mostly green or brown but display orange, yellow, white or
blue spots. Their famous ability to change colour, while useful for camouflage, is
mostly done when frightened, excited, defending territory or trying to attract a
mate.
Fast Facts
Other Names:
The Veiled Chameleon has a large casque on top of its head that can grow up to
5 cm tall. A chameleon’s eyes can move independently, see in two directions at
once and swivel nearly 180 degrees. It also has a long, sticky tongue that it
shoots to catch its prey. It has grasping hands and a long prehensile tail that acts
like a fifth limb. Males are usually bigger and are more striking than females.
Cone-head Chameleon, Yemen
Chameleon
Scientific Name:
Chamaeleo calyptratus
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Extinct
EX
Threatened
EW CR
EN
Least Concern
VU
NT
Body Length: 25–61 cm
Weight: 90–200 g
Incubation: Up to 200 days
Number of eggs: 30–85
Habitat: From dry plateaus to mountains,
anywhere with trees, shrubs and bushes
LC
Diet
Veiled Chameleons are insectivores but may also eat leaves as a source of water
during the dry season.
Reproduction
Mating may occur more than once during the year. If a female is receptive to
breeding, she changes colour – a strong indication to any nearby males that she
is ready for courting. The male then displays to her by rolling his head or rubbing
chins. About 18 hours after a successful mating, the female changes colour
again. Up to a month later, she lays her eggs and buries them in the sand.
Threats
Veiled Chameleons are commonly bred for the pet trade, however, they are still
taken from the wild and sold as souvenirs to tourists. They are also under threat
from habitat loss.
At Perth Zoo
You can find the Veiled Chameleon in the Reptile Encounter.
Distribution: Yemen and Saudi Arabia
DID YOU KNOW?
Distribution
The Veiled Chameleon is an excellent hunter. Its
flattened, leaf-shaped body and colouring provide
excellent camouflage. It remains still and concealed
until an insect appears. Very slowly, it approaches
until its in the perfect position then whips its tongue
out at lightning speed to grasp its meal.