Nyirit chameleon (Trioceros nyirit)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Nyirit chameleon (Trioceros nyirit) (origin: Western Kenya — montane forest). Adult size around 16–21 cm. Life expectancy 4–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Nyirit chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×60×120 cm for one animal — height and airflow, not a closed glass tank.
Nyirit chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot Basking spot 28–30 °C, no warmer, at night 12–17 °C.
Nyirit chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).
Nyirit chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–8 years.
Nyirit chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–17 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 28–30 °C, no warmer
- Humidity
- 60–85 %, mist morning and evening
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×60×120 cm for one animal — height and airflow, 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
- 16–21 cm
- Life expectancy
- 4–8 years
- Origin
- Western Kenya — montane forest
- Protection status
- CITES II — proof of origin required
- Brumation
- No winter rest; cooler in winter with a shorter photoperiod
- Cohabitation
- Single housing. Chameleons are not group animals — the mere sight of another of their kind already means constant stress, visible in dark colouring and refusal to feed.
Notes
Described only in 2009. Practically absent from the trade.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Nyirit chameleon (Trioceros nyirit) 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
What you need to start
To keep Nyirit chameleon (Trioceros nyirit) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×60×120 cm for one animal — height and airflow, 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: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trioceros_nyirit, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trioceros&species=nyirit
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).