A Chamaeleo chameleon in its native habitat in northern Africa faces many pressures including habitat loss, and commercial exploitation. Photo provided by A. C. Highfield. © Copyright 1996-1997 A. C. Highfield. All rights reserved.

Chameleon Conservation

Habitat Loss and Human Overpopulation
Growing human populations in their native habitat causes increasing competition for economic resources. Land is consumed to house growing human populations. Land previously considered sacred is cleared, burned, mined or logged to exploit natural resource for its current economic value.

Rarely is the long-term value of pristine land considered. Locals are struggling to feed their growing families and have few other resources available. Exploitation of the land is seen as the clear and obvious solution to an immediate, short-term need.

Industrialized countries in the developed world are also to blame. Large, exotic woods, like those found in the natural forest homes of chameleons, are valuable commodities to companies who have nearly exhausted their supply of large, virgin trees in their own countries.

Chameleon populations are ultra-sensitive to the problems associated with habitat loss. Due to their slow-moving nature, and their inability re relocate quickly, chameleons have evolved in small, often isolated pockets. To these small, isolated populations, habitat loss can prove to be disasterous.

Live chameleons are sold in the local markets in Africa. They are used in magic rituals and as tourist trinkets. Photo provided by A. C. Highfield. © Copyright 1996-1997 A. C. Highfield. All rights reserved.

Commercial Exploitation
Chameleons are exploited by the locals in their native habitat, and by foreigners. Locally, they are sold live to be used for a variety of purposes.

Some natives believe that throwing a live chameleon into a fire will bring them good luck. Chameleon parts are sometimes sold to be used in magic rituals.

Growing demand by tourists for chameleon body parts (which are sold a souvenirs) adds yet another demand for chameleons in the local markets.

A significantly larger problem is caused by the commercialization of chameleons for the exotic pet trade. Hundreds of thousands of chameleons are exported for the pet trade annually. It is estimated that fewer than 1% of these animals survive more than a few months in captivity.

Species like Parson's Chameleon and Senegal Chameleons have suffered terrible losses due to importation for the pet trade.

An increasing number of chameleons are collected from the wild each year and sold on the exotic pet market world wide. Due to their delicate nature and specific needs, few of these animals survive more than a few months in captivity. Photo provided by A. C. Highfield. © Copyright 1996-1997 A. C. Highfield. All rights reserved.

How You Can Help
1) Do not buy imported reptiles. Doing so only perpetuates the problem. Additionally, the survival rate of imported animals is very low.
2) Purchased chameleons only from reputable breeders who are not involved in commercial importation.
3) Support zero population growth.
4) Support organizations, like the World Wildlife Fund, who are working on conservation and preservation of natural habitat.
5) Support organizations like CIN (Chameleon Information Network) and Animal Ark, who are actively working to raise awareness of these issues.
© Copyright Michael Fry 1995-1997 - All rights reserved.