Kenya pygmy chameleon (Rieppeleon kerstenii)

Short answers

Kenya pygmy chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×40×40 cm.

Kenya pygmy chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 17–21 °C.

Kenya pygmy chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 2–5 %).

Kenya pygmy chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 2–4 years.

Kenya pygmy chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–29 °C

Night temperature

17–21 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

60–75 %

UVB

Recommended (UVB 2–5 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×40×40 cm

Substrate

Coco humus and sand with leaf litter, low twigs

Feeding

Food

Fruit flies, micro crickets, firebrats

Feeding interval

daily to every other day

Key facts

Adult size

6–9 cm total length

Life expectancy

2–4 years

Origin

East Africa – dry scrub

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

A dry spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

Keep in pairs or a small group. Two males do not work together - they fight over territory and the best hides until one is seriously injured or permanently cornered. One male with several females, however, works reliably. Several hides matter so lower-ranking animals can retreat, and separate feeding once sizes differ.

Notes

The driest species among the pygmy chameleons – markedly less humidity than R. brevicaudatus. It camouflages itself as a withered leaf on the ground.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Kenya pygmy chameleon (Rieppeleon kerstenii) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Bearded pygmy chameleon (Rieppeleon brevicaudatus) – Intermediate
• Betsch's leaf chameleon (Brookesia betschi) – Expert
• Boulenger's pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon boulengeri) – Expert
• Brygoo's leaf chameleon (Brookesia brygooi) – Expert
• Chapman's pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon chapmanorum) – Expert
• Decary's leaf chameleon (Brookesia decaryi) – Intermediate
• Ebenau's leaf chameleon (Brookesia ebenaui) – Expert
• Armoured leaf chameleon (Brookesia perarmata) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Kenya pygmy chameleon (Rieppeleon kerstenii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×40 cm), substrate (Coco humus and sand with leaf litter, low twigs), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.