The Jacksons Chameleon is a stunning species if lizard that can be found in the mountainous region in and around Kenya.
This unique lizard is sometimes referred to as the Jacksons horned chameleon or the three-horned chameleon as a result of the ‘horns’ that protrude from the front of the lizard’s head.
Jacksons Chameleon Taxonomy
The Jacksons Chameleon belong to the infraorder Iguania. This is a grouping of lizards which contains species such as Iguanas, Chameleons, Agamids and Anoles.
As its name suggests, it belongs to the Chameleon family of lizards. There are over 200 different species of Chameleon lizards that are divided into 12 different genera.
The majority of Chameleons are native to Africa and Madagascar but they can also be found in the Middle East, India and parts of Southern Europe.
Some of the popular species of Chameleons include the Panther Chameleon, the Carpet Chameleon and the Pygmy Chameleon.
The genus that the Jacksons Chameleon belongs to is called Trioceros. This is a large genus of Chameleons with around 40 different species.
The Trioceros genus was considered a sub-genus of the Chamaeleo genus until it was elevated to full genus level in 2009.
Some of the other lizards in this genus include the Helmeted Chameleon and the Two-Horned Chameleon.
The scientific name for the Jacksons Chameleon is Trioceros jacksonii.
There are currently 3 recognised sub-species, the nominate species Trioceros jacksonii jacksonii, Trioceros jacksonii merumontanus and Trioceros jacksonii xantholophus.
Jacksons Chameleon Description
A Jacksons Chameleon is one of the most recognizable and easily identified species of chameleon due to the three horns that protrude from the front of their head.
These horns are prominent in males while females either only have remnants of the rostral horn or lack any horns entirely.
The Rostral Horn is located on the nose of the lizard while the other two horns, called the Preocular Horns are located above each eye.
These three horns that protrude from the front of the Jacksons Chameleons head have a somewhat similar appearance to the horns of the iconic triceratops dinosaur.
Males of this species are larger than females with males growing to almost 40cm in length while females typically only grow to around 25cm.
They are typically bright green in color but like other chameleons, this can change shade depending on the lizard’s mood, the temperature and their overall health.
Some specimens even have traces of other bright colors such as blues and yellows running along their body.
They have many of the typical chameleon characteristics including a prehensile tail, forked feet and eyes that can rotate independently.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Jacksons Chameleon is native to the mountainous region of central Kenya. They are particularly common in the mountains near Nairobi.
Their range also extends as far South as the Northern regions of Tanzania where they can be found in the mountains around Arusha.
The Jacksons Chameleon has been introduced to other parts of the world also. There is a particularly large population of these lizards in Hawaii where they can be found on most of the larger islands.
They like to live at high altitudes in woodlands and forests that are between 1,500m and 2,500m above sea level.
The sub-species Trioceros jacksonii xantholophus is native to the region around Mount Kenya while the sub-species Trioceros jacksonii merumontanus is native to the Arusha region of Tanzania.
Jacksons Chameleon as Pets
The Jacksons Chameleon is a stunning species of chameleon but due to their advanced care requirements, they aren’t suitable for a beginner reptile keeper.
These lizards have pretty demanding light and heat requirements and can become ill quickly in unhygienic conditions so their enclosure needs to be extremely clean.
That said, with a decent understanding of Chameleon husbandry and dedication to your reptile, a Jackson Chameleon can make a great pet that can live for around 10 years.
Jacksons Chameleon Enclosure
These lizards require a large enclosure. A large male will need an enclosure that measures around 3×2 x3 ft while a female can be kept in a 2x2x3 ft enclosure.
These lizards shouldn’t be kept in glass enclosures as they often mistake their reflection for another chameleon which can cause significant amounts of stress.
They do much better in enclosures with screened sides as this eliminates reflection and also provides much better air circulation which is vital for these lizards.
If you have two chameleon enclosures side by side, you will need to place some kind of barrier between the cages so they can’t see each other, as this can also lead to unnecessary stress.
You will need to fill the enclosure with live or artificial plants, branches and vines for your chameleon to climb on. A dense enclosure will also allow the lizard to feel more secure.
Light and Heat
Light and Heat is one of the most important elements of Jacksons Chameleon husbandry. When done correctly, it is the basis for sustaining a happy and healthy lizard for years to come.
As with most reptiles, these lizards rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. You will need to provide them with this source of heat.
As these chameleons are arboreal, you will need to use an overhead heat source such as a ceramic heat emitter, heat bulb or radiant heat panel.
All of these heat sources will work well and will provide them with an important thermal gradient as the temperature will drop as the lizard moves away from the source of the heat.
You should provide a basking spot of around 85F. This will be the hottest part of the enclosure and will be directly under the source of the heat.
As the Jacksons Chameleon moves away from the heat source the temperature will decrease. You should aim for an ambient temperature of around 75F.
These lizards need UVB and without it they will develop severe muscular issues such as MBD and eventual death.
A sufficient UVB bulb can be used for this. The exact wattage will depend on the size of the enclosure you have. A deeper enclosure will require a stronger bulb to penetrate deeper
The lighting in the enclosure should be turned off at night to subject your lizard to an adequate day/night cycle. As they live close to the equator, they do well on a 12-hour cycle.
Water and Humidity
The Jacksons Chameleon generally doesn’t drink water from a water bowl like many other species of reptile. Instead, they prefer to drink the droplets off of branches and leaves after rainfall or misting.
You should aim for a humidity level of between 50-80% which can be achieved by misting your enclosure once or twice a day.
It is natural for the humidity levels to fluctuate but you should ensure you stay within this range. If the humidity levels are too low your chameleon can become ill and even die in extreme circumstances.
You can mist the enclosure manually using a spray bottle or invest in an automated system. Whichever method you choose, it is important to monitor the conditions in the enclosure. Do not allow stagnant water to build up as this will be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Jacksons Chameleon Diet
The Jacksons Chameleon can be fed a diet of insects. You should offer then a range of different insects to ensure they are getting as much nutrients as possible.
The insects should be gut loaded prior to feeding to add even more valuable nutrients to your lizard’s diet.
The insects should also be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement to ensure they get everything they need. The calcium and UVB will ensure your chameleon doesn’t suffer from conditions such as MBD.
The different types of insects you can feed your lizard include crickets, mealworms, locusts, roaches, waxworms, super worms and grasshoppers.
