Jackson's chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii)

Short answers

Jackson's chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal.

Jackson's chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot ~28–30 °C, at night 15–18 °C.

Jackson's chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential.

Jackson's chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–10 years.

Jackson's chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

15–18 °C

Basking spot

~28–30 °C

Humidity

50–60 % (day), 80–100 % (night)

UVB

Essential

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal

Substrate

Coco humus or forest floor, densely planted

Feeding

Food

Insects (crickets, locusts, flies, roaches), snails

Feeding interval

Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

25–35 cm (males with three horns)

Life expectancy

5–10 years

Origin

The montane forests of Kenya and Tanzania (introduced to Hawaii)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B

Brumation

None; a slight cool spell is optional

Cohabitation

Keep singly. Jackson's chameleons are loners; males must never be kept together, females often stress each other, and even sight of another chameleon means constant stress. Pair only briefly for mating, and only if each animal has plenty of room; screen neighbouring enclosures from each other.

Notes

A cool night drop is essential; live-bearing. The males carry the characteristic three horns.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Jackson's chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Affinis chameleon (Trioceros affinis) – Expert
• Bale two-horned chameleon (Trioceros balebicornutus) – Expert
• Usambara three-horned chameleon (Trioceros deremensis) – Intermediate to expert
• Elliot's chameleon (Trioceros ellioti) – Intermediate
• Fea's chameleon (Trioceros feae) – Expert
• Goetze's chameleon (Trioceros goetzei) – Expert
• Harenna chameleon (Trioceros harennae) – Expert
• Von Höhnel's chameleon (Trioceros hoehnelii) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Jackson's chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal), substrate (Coco humus or forest floor, densely planted), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.