Oustalet’s Chameleon Comprehensive Guide
The Oustalet’s Chameleon features a large body with a long tail that varies in different colors. They can also change their color from brown to green to blue. This helps them blend with their environment and communicate with others. The shield-like casque on its head can also change its colors. They have a large plate on its head that points toward the back of the skull.
It has a prominent ridge running from the tip of the snout to the eyes, a smaller ridge extending from the eye to the back of the neck, and a row of triangular spines from the neck down to the tail. Their toes are in groups. The front feet have two toes on the outer side and three on the inner side, while the front feet are the reverse.
Physical characteristics of Oustalet’s Chameleon:
They are often referred to as the Malagasy giant due to their impressive size. They have a long muscular body that is supported by a prehensile tail that aids in balance and climbing.
One of the most powerful features is its ability to change color. However, many assume this ability is primarily used for communication and temperature regulation. Their body can change their color in various shades of brown, green, and blue, depending on their mood or the environment.
The male grows to a maximum length of 68.5 cm (27 inches); while the female to 30.5 cm (12 inches). Their weight is between 14-17 ounces (400-500 gr).
Food and Diet of Oustalet’s Chameleon:
This is a skilled predator. The diet of Oustalet’s chameleon consists of large insects, some fruits, and occasionally reptiles and small birds. The long muscular tongue has a sticky substance and a suction cup used to capture its prey. It was recently discovered that this species is omnivorous, meaning it also consumes plant matter, particularly native shrubs in Madagascar.
- Fruits
- Invertebrates
- Crickets
- Cockroaches
Senses of Oustalet’s Chameleon:
The eyes of Oustalet’s chameleon are equally fascinating. Their eyesight is very sharp. Their round, bulging eyes can move independently from each other and give them 360-degree vision, with a little bit of movement of the body. Additionally, they have a third eye that is located on the top of its head. This “eye” does not provide vision, but it helps it detect light and shadow, and the third eye plays a role in its ability to sense changes in its environment.
Oustalet’s Chameleon Communicates by Color:
They change their body color when they want to regulate their body temperature.Their skin is intricate and has a four-layered system containing various pigmented cells called chromatophores, which contract or expand in different proportions on cue from the nervous system. They looking for a friend will turn one shade, while one defending its territory will turn another.
Reproduction:
They mostly breed in the rainy season . When food is in huge amounts. After mating, the female Oustalet’s chameleon lays up to sixty eggs after a gestation period of around forty days. These eggs take nine to twelve months to hatch, depending on environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature.
Once the eggs conceive, the young chameleons are completely independent, receiving no parental care. They are also capable of hunting and changing colors within days of conceiving. The lifespan of the its in the wild is typically five to ten years, although this can vary based on factors such as predation, environmental conditions, and food availability.
Natural Habitat of Oustalet’s Chameleon:
They are also found in dry and moist habitats, at both high and low elevations throughout Madagascar. They are mostly found in savanna areas. Oustalet’s chameleons are also found in several protected national parks throughout the country, but are abundant enough all over to earn the conservation status of “least concern.”
Housing for Oustalet’s Chameleon:
Temperature:
It requires a proper temperature gradient in their enclosure to copy their natural environment. During the day, the temperature should be kept between seventy five to eighty Fahrenheit with a dedicated basking area reaching up to thirty five Celsius. The proper spot allows them to regulate their body temperature, which is essential for their health. At night, the temperature should drop to nearly eighteen to twenty three Celsius.
Lighting:
UVB light is very necessary for their proper growth. It provides them with sunlight like light which keeps them healthy and makes their body strong such as bones. Regularly UVB light is necessary ten to twelve hours per day.
Substrate:
The substrate serves multiple functions, maintaining humidity levels and providing a base for live plants. A bioactive substrate, that is a mixture of organic soil, reptile-safe materials, and coconut fiber is ideal for this species. It helps to maintain the humidity, and plant growth and creates a natural environment. This is important to avoid substrates like sand or loose particles.
Heating:
This is the main point to keep it healthy. They rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature. A basking should be installed. This lamp allows it to warm itself. It’s necessary to have thermostats and timers to maintain both day and night heating elements, preventing any extreme fluctuations that could stress the chameleon.
Common health problems in Oustalet’s Chameleon:
There are some health problems in this chameleon. One of the very big problems is metabolic bone disease (MBD). In this condition are the lack of proper UVB light exposure and insufficient calcium in their diet. Without UVB in their bodies they cannot metabolize calcium properly, leading to weak, swelling, brittle bones, and in severe cases, fractures.
They are suffering from MBD and they often struggle with movement and climbing, which are essential parts of their lifestyle. Low or high temperatures and humidity disturb their health. Lack of water and poor misting system. These common health problems are given below:
- Respiratory Infections
- Dehydration
- Eye infection
- Egg binding
Defense Mechanisms and Survival Strategies:
They employ a variety of defense mechanisms to protect themselves from predators. Its most important strategy is color change, which allows it to blend into its environment or signal to potential threats. For example, when a threat is near, it may turn full darker shades to appear more menacing. In some cases, they will freeze in place to avoid detection or slowly retreat to a safer location.
On the other hand, the Oustalet’s chameleon relies on its prehensile tail for escape and balance. The third eye also plays a vital role in survival, helping the chameleon detect changes in light and shadow, which may signal the approach of a predator. If threatened by a hunter, it may use its tail to quickly climb to higher branches, out of reach.
Conclusions:
This Malagasy giant clocks in as the second heaviest and longest chameleon on Earth. It’s generally a solitary creature, showing aggression toward other chameleons via rapid color changes and confrontational posturing. It was even recently discovered to be omnivorous (instead of exclusively carnivorous, as was long assumed), as it’s partial to munching on certain native shrubs.
