Through our natural cultivation, the cute European Chameleons live with us
Here is a photo of a European Chameleon (Chamaeleo Chamaeleon), some populations of which are native to our Quinta.
Chameleons are very sensitive to chemical sprays. Since we don't use them, many chameleons find a home with us.
They grow to 20-30 cm long and are excellent climbers thanks to their prehensile feet. Their tails also provide a good grip. We have often observed this rapid color change when, for example, we placed chameleons walking on stones in a green deciduous tree. The color immediately changes from beige to green. Chameleons can change their color within a very short time depending on their mood, the time of day, or the temperature. The different colors are created by the interaction of different cell types in the skin—pigmented cells and those that reflect light. This fascinating color change can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
When in danger, they remain motionless and pretend to be dead.
Chameleons thrive in temperatures of up to 28 degrees Celsius during the day and up to 20 degrees Celsius at night. They also require local basking spots where temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius prevail during the day.
They don't like being petted. A clear defensive behavior is their wide-open mouth and hissing noises.
Chameleons are a family of iguanas within the squamates. Over 200 species have been described, divided into two subfamilies: the true chameleons and the snub-tailed chameleons. Here in Portugal, the European chameleon, with its long, prehensile tail, is predominant.
Chameleons reproduce through eggs like all reptiles.
After mating, it takes about four weeks for the eggs to be ready to be laid. Five to 35 eggs are laid at a time. After laying, it can take up to two months for the young to hatch.
Special features of the Chameleon:
Some chameleon species can zoom with their eyes and see up to a kilometer away. Their eyes allow them to see all around, and they can be moved independently of each other.
Food:
Chameleons prefer grasshoppers, crickets, mealworms, flies, mosquitoes or spiders; larger species will even eat a large beetle.
Special features:
Chameleons use the color in their skin not only for hiding but also to warm themselves. To do this, they change color to a dark brown to almost black.
