Globe-horned chameleon (Calumma globifer)

Short answers

Globe-horned chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×60×120 cm for one adult animal (at least 50×60×120 cm is quoted; larger is better).

Globe-horned chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–25 °C (winter cooler ~20 °C), basking spot 28–30 °C (moderate), at night 15–18 °C (dry season down to 10–15 °C).

Globe-horned chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–4; uses high canopy and basking places).

Globe-horned chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 5–8 years (captive data uncertain).

Globe-horned chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–25 °C (winter cooler ~20 °C)

Night temperature

15–18 °C (dry season down to 10–15 °C)

Basking spot

28–30 °C (moderate)

Humidity

80–90 % (rainforest climate, close to 100 % at night)

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–4; uses high canopy and basking places)

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×60×120 cm for one adult animal (at least 50×60×120 cm is quoted; larger is better)

Substrate

Rainforest substrate (humus or forest floor, leaf litter, moss), dense planting, sturdy branches; good ventilation

Feeding

Food

Insects: crickets, locusts, roaches, flying insects; dusted with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 31–40 cm total length (males larger, with a nasal appendage)

Life expectancy

approx. 5–8 years (captive data uncertain)

Origin

Central and eastern Madagascar, montane rainforest ~900–1,250 m (the canopy and forest edge of old trees)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B; IUCN "Endangered" – NO legal export from Madagascar, only captive-bred animals are legal. Proof of origin plus registration are mandatory

Brumation

No brumation, but a cooler, drier winter spell is needed (day ~20 °C, night 15–18 °C, with less feeding)

Cohabitation

Keep them singly. Territorial and solitary; put them together only briefly and under supervision for breeding. NEVER keep males together

Notes

A demanding montane forest species with cool nights and high humidity; breeding in captivity has barely succeeded (so far mostly clutches from imported animals). A common mistake: too warm or too dry. Some of the figures are derived from the habitat climate.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Globe-horned chameleon (Calumma globifer) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Amber Mountain chameleon (Calumma ambreense) – Expert
• 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Globe-horned chameleon (Calumma globifer) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×60×120 cm for one adult animal (at least 50×60×120 cm is quoted; larger is better)), substrate (Rainforest substrate (humus or forest floor, leaf litter, moss), dense planting, sturdy branches; good ventilation), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.