Warty Chameleon

Male warty chameleon（圖片來源：Yosemite，採用 CC BY-SA 3.0 授權）

The warty chameleon (Furcifer verrucosus) is a chameleon species endemic to Madagascar. It is closely related to the Malagasy giant chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti) and was long misidentified as the same species. Currently, two subspecies are recognized: F. v. verrucosus and F. v. semicristatus. Their distributions differ slightly, with the former occurring across much of western Madagascar and the southern arid regions, while the latter has a more restricted range, primarily in the southernmost part of the island.

In terms of size, the warty chameleon is among the larger chameleon species. Males can reach up to 56 cm in total length, while females average around 21 cm. Males possess up to approximately 40 small triangular dorsal spines, whereas females only have short, wart-like projections. Their tails are long and prehensile, allowing them to firmly grasp branches for balance. Body coloration is typically gray or brown with striped or mottled patterns, often accompanied by a broken white lateral stripe. Males frequently show green hues on the abdomen, limbs, and tail, while females tend to be paler, sometimes turning rusty red when gravid.

In the wild, this species prefers dry shrublands and sandy coastal areas, and may even burrow into sand to avoid high temperatures. They are usually found among low shrubs and small trees, exhibiting a semi-terrestrial and semi-arboreal lifestyle.

The warty chameleon primarily feeds on insects but will occasionally prey on small amphibians, lizards, or small mammals. Its hunting strategy is highly characteristic: independently მოძრating eyes scan different directions simultaneously, and once prey is targeted, both eyes converge before the chameleon rapidly projects its long, sticky tongue with remarkable accuracy. Females lay eggs once per year, producing about 30 to 60 eggs per clutch. The incubation period can last up to 200 days, and juveniles require six months to one year to reach maturity. Their lifespan typically ranges from 5 to 7 years, with males generally living longer than females.

Female warty chameleon（圖片來源：Andrew Hankey，採用 CC BY-SA 4.0 授權）

Housing Requirements in Captivity

In captivity, the warty chameleon requires an environment that replicates its native dry tropical habitat. Enclosures made of wood or glass are recommended to help maintain stable temperature and humidity. For adults, a space of approximately 60 x 60 x 120 cm is suitable. The enclosure should be furnished with abundant plants, branches, and climbing structures to provide cover and movement opportunities. For juveniles, additional decor can help reduce spatial stress, which can be gradually reduced as they grow.

A basking spot of around 32°C should be provided during the day, while the opposite side should be maintained at 21 to 23°C to create a clear thermal gradient. At night, all lights should be turned off, allowing temperatures to drop to 18 to 20°C, ensuring a proper day-night cycle. Heat is typically provided by overhead spot lamps, which must be shielded to prevent burns. The use of a thermostat is recommended, along with two thermometers to monitor both warm and cool zones.

Like most chameleons, this species requires UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3 and facilitate calcium absorption. A T5 UVB tube (6 to 10% output) is recommended, covering at least two-thirds of the enclosure length. The bulb should be replaced every 6 to 12 months.

Although native to relatively dry environments, the warty chameleon still requires moderate humidity levels of approximately 50 to 70% to support hydration and proper shedding. It is recommended to mist the enclosure once in the morning and once in the evening, allowing water droplets to remain on leaves and surfaces for the chameleon to drink. Avoid spraying directly onto the animal. A shallow water dish may be provided as a backup water source and should be placed in a shaded area to reduce evaporation.

Suitable substrates include bark chips or natural soil mixtures that can retain moisture and slowly release humidity. For bioactive setups, a drainage layer is recommended to prevent water accumulation.

Chameleons are generally solitary reptiles with strong territorial instincts. Except during breeding, only one individual should be housed per enclosure to avoid aggression.

Feeding Conditions

The warty chameleon is a voracious predator and requires a varied insect-based diet in captivity, with occasional plant matter as supplementation.

Brown crickets are an ideal staple due to their balanced nutrition and ease of capture. Other suitable feeder insects include black crickets, locusts, and flies. For enrichment or occasional treats, silkworm pupae, maggots, mealworms, cockroaches, and other larvae can be offered. However, these are high in fat or difficult to digest, so they should only be provided one to two times per week. Adults (over 12 to 18 months old) are better able to digest beetle larvae and cockroaches, while juveniles should be fed smaller insects.

In the wild, this species occasionally consumes plant leaves or fruits, primarily as a source of water. In captivity, small amounts of leafy greens or fruits may be offered occasionally, though they are not essential.

Feeding frequency and method:

Juveniles: Feed daily with approximately 10 to 15 small crickets or equivalent insects.Adults: Feed every 1 to 2 days with 8 to 12 appropriately sized insects per feeding.

All feeder insects should be gut-loaded with nutritious feed or vegetables prior to feeding. They should also be dusted with supplements: calcium with D3 once per week, calcium without D3 three to four times per week, and a multivitamin once per month.

Chameleons typically do not drink from standing water dishes, so misting is the primary water source. Some individuals may drink for several minutes after misting, and occasionally soak in water dishes to assist with shedding.

Breeding Conditions

Under suitable environmental conditions, the warty chameleon can breed successfully in captivity. When a male and female are housed together, mating usually occurs naturally without special stimulation, provided both individuals are healthy. However, keepers must ensure they have sufficient resources to care for the offspring before attempting breeding.

Gravid females exhibit a reddish-brown coloration. At this stage, a laying container should be provided, large enough for the female to turn around completely. The substrate should consist of slightly moist soil or a suitable incubation medium. Females can lay 30 to 60 eggs per year.

Eggs should be incubated at approximately 29°C with high humidity. The incubation period is relatively long, lasting about 6 to 9 months. After hatching, juveniles require a constant supply of small insects, daily feeding, and frequent hydration.

The primary challenge in breeding is the relatively low survival rate of juveniles. Adequate space and food resources are essential, and breeding is not recommended without proper preparation.

Preventing Invasive Spread

Although native to Madagascar, the warty chameleon is popular in the international reptile pet trade. It is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates the trade of wild-caught individuals. Therefore, it is important to support the purchase of captive-bred specimens and avoid wild-caught animals from Madagascar to reduce pressure on native populations.

Owners must also recognize that releasing or abandoning these animals in non-native regions can threaten local ecosystems. Under no circumstances should they be released into the wild. If an owner can no longer care for the animal, it should be rehomed to a reliable keeper or transferred to a legitimate animal rescue organization.

Author: Shui-Ye You