Amber Mountain chameleon (Calumma ambreense)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Amber Mountain chameleon (Calumma ambreense) (origin: Northern Madagascar, exclusively Montagne d'Ambre National Park, rainforest at 600–1200 m altitude). Adult size around 40–55 cm total length. Life expectancy 4–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Amber Mountain chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
At least 100 × 80 × 150 cm for one animal, as a well-ventilated mesh or combination enclosure with vents at top and bottom — not a closed glass tank.
Amber Mountain chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C, around 25 °C during the cooler season, basking spot Basking spot 30–33 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Amber Mountain chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).
Amber Mountain chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–8 years.
Amber Mountain chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C, around 25 °C during the cooler season
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 30–33 °C
- Humidity
- 65–90 %, mist morning and evening
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- at least 100 × 80 × 150 cm for one animal, as a well-ventilated mesh or combination enclosure with vents at top and bottom — not a closed glass tank
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork at all heights
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches, flies and wax moths in rotation, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 40–55 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 4–8 years
- Origin
- Northern Madagascar, exclusively Montagne d'Ambre National Park, rainforest at 600–1200 m altitude
- Protection status
- CITES II, and Madagascar's export quota is zero for some species — insist on captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- No winter rest; cooler in winter with a shorter photoperiod
- Cohabitation
- Strictly singly — chameleons are not group animals, and even being in sight of another is constant stress
Notes
Endemic to a single mountain massif.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Andringitra chameleon (Calumma andringitraense) – Expert
- Side-striped chameleon (Calumma gastrotaenia) – Intermediate
- Amber Mountain chameleon (Calumma amber) – Intermediate to expert
- Boettger's chameleon (Calumma boettgeri) – Intermediate
- Capuron's chameleon (Calumma capuroni) – Expert
- Forked chameleon (Calumma furcifer) – Expert
- Glaw's chameleon (Calumma glawi) – Expert
- Guibe's chameleon (Calumma guibei) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Amber Mountain chameleon (Calumma ambreense) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (at least 100 × 80 × 150 cm for one animal, as a well-ventilated mesh or combination enclosure with vents at top and bottom — not a closed glass tank), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork at all heights), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: madcham.de, reptile-database.reptarium.cz, EUR-Lex VO (EU) 2026/1383, Wikipedia EN, cites.org
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).