Living in Gauteng in South Africa we have some
unique advantages over Europe and the United States. Sadly, we also suffer some disadvantages.
Benefits
The climate is excellent as our winters are mild and our summers - unless
you are in the wrong place - are not normally too hot. The temperatures can shoot
up in mid summer so there is always need for caution but with shade and care many chameleons will benefit from being out doors
more than in. Night time temperatures are often mild from October through to
around April and Veiled chameleons can be left outside with little fear. Carpets
and Panthers need to be monitored in case of a fall below around 14c.
The dryness of the air in winter is one aspect that needs to be addressed
by heavy misting; the wind can be very dry.
With long cloud free days of bright sunshine - and care - your chameleon
will get far better UV than any light can offer.
From a seasonal perspective any chameleons from Madagascar will feel right at home, being from the Southern Hemisphere.
Disadvantages
The number of species available is very low compared to Europe
and the States. It is slowly changing but will take time. Avoid all wild caught smuggled animals as you are not only risking disease and parasites but you are also
playing into the hands of those authorities and animal groups that want to prevent any chameleons being kept in captivity.
The range of food is far more limited here than overseas. Most
pet shops only stock crickets and the number of vendors, such as Gaga Feeders, that stock a wide range of feeder foods is
very limited. Chameleons thrive on a mixed diet, so add as many different foods
as you can - silkworms, cockroaches, soldier flies and waxworms. Be cautious
about the nutritious value of each but don’t just rely on crickets, no matter how well you gut feed them.
Occasionally, the equipment available in South Africa lags behind that on offer overseas and, worse,
things like UV tubes run out!
Be careful when buying calcium supplements - not everything from South Africa is lekker. Some of the locally
produced calcium has not been through such rigourous quality checks as products such as T-Rex.