Reptoria

O'Shaughnessy's chameleon (Calumma oshaughnessyi)

O'Shaughnessy's chameleon (Calumma oshaughnessyi), typical appearance of the species

Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for O'Shaughnessy's chameleon (Calumma oshaughnessyi) (origin: South-eastern Madagascar (Ranomafana to Andohahela) ~1,000–1,300 m, dense, permanently humid montane rainforest). Adult size around approx. 40 cm total length (males with two large nasal appendages). Life expectancy approx. 5–8 years (captive data uncertain). The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

80×60×120 cm for one adult animal (tall, densely planted).

O'Shaughnessy's chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–25 °C (~25 °C), basking spot 26–30 °C (moderate), at night 15–20 °C (rainy season ~20 °C, dry season ~15 °C).

O'Shaughnessy's chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3).

O'Shaughnessy's chameleon: How long do they live?

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

O'Shaughnessy's chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
22–25 °C (~25 °C)
Night temperature
15–20 °C (rainy season ~20 °C, dry season ~15 °C)
Basking spot
26–30 °C (moderate)
Humidity
70–90 % (rainforest, never drying out completely)
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×60×120 cm for one adult animal (tall, densely planted)
Substrate
Rainforest substrate (humus, ferns, moss, leaf litter), dense planting plus sturdy branches recreating a height of 2–4 m; 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. 40 cm total length (males with two large nasal appendages)
Life expectancy
approx. 5–8 years (captive data uncertain)
Origin
South-eastern Madagascar (Ranomafana to Andohahela) ~1,000–1,300 m, dense, permanently humid montane rainforest
Protection status
CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B – specially protected: proof of origin plus registration required; IUCN "Vulnerable", populations fragmented
Brumation
No brumation; recreate a cooler, somewhat drier winter spell (nights ~15 °C) and keep the humidity high
Cohabitation
Keep them singly. Territorial and solitary; put them together only briefly and under supervision for breeding. NEVER keep males together

Notes

A montane forest species to be kept cool and very humid; it uses dense planting as cover. A common mistake: too warm or too dry. Usually wild-caught (stress and parasites). The final size is well documented; the lifespan and terrarium size are derived.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep O'Shaughnessy's chameleon (Calumma oshaughnessyi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×60×120 cm for one adult animal (tall, densely planted)), substrate (Rainforest substrate (humus, ferns, moss, leaf litter), dense planting plus sturdy branches recreating a height of 2–4 m; 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.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O%27Shaughnessy%27s_chameleon, https://www.madcham.de/en/calumma-oshaughnessyi/

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).