Family: Chamaeleonidae
Common Name: Somali Pygmy Chameleon
Scientific Name: Rhampholeon kerstenii
Food: Insects
Distribution: NE/E Kenya, E Tanzania, N/E Somalia, Ethiopia
Habitat: seen on ferns along the banks of streams and rivers as well as hillsides.
Color Discription: They are lightbeige to light brown with dark longitudinal strips of changing intensity, which run the length of the chameleon.
Physical Discription: The tail length can vary. The skin of these animals feels like sandpaper.
Size: 3"
Temperatures/Humidity: 72 - 77 F. with over 85% humidity
Breeding/Reproduction:
Cage Setup: ground space must be provided since they are a terrestrial species. Plant life should be close to the ground and the bottom of the enclosure should have plenty of dead leaves for hiding spaces.
Water:
Special Needs: Humidity levels need to be kept high
Special Note: The Dwarf Chameleon is one of the world's smallest chameleons.
It is reported that the Dwarf Chameleon will make a buzzing vibration when captured from the wild.
The Dwarf Chameleon is perhaps most easily recognized by his lack of a prehensile tail.
This species can be kept in pairs if enough space is provided.
Some hobbyists will keep them in groups, though keeping groups of males is not recommended unless males are given extra large amounts of space.
In addition they can stress females as well.
Chameleons really do best when given plenty of space for privacy.
Males and females are not visibly distinguishable.