Cham touches everything with tongue?

[Riktor Scale]

I haven't seen anything on here about this, or can't seem to find it. Why does he do this? He's always done it since a baby and I just kind of laugh. He takes just the tip of his tongue which actually is split like a snake tongue and just taps where he is. Sorta like this lol Is this just a "feel for the area" kind of thing? Just wondering what the instinct is behind this.

 

[Thegreatfonz]

Chams use their tongues like snakes to feel out and taste things. It's a good thing if he licks you too!

 

[Riktor Scale]

Ahhh, that's what I thought. Thanks!

 

[chameleonowner32]

They sometimes do it as a form of marking territory/ smelling another cham. if you put a cham in another cage he/she will probly do it. its like dogs scenting terriory. idk if they would need to feel out of something as they have amazing eyesight. also ive never heard of a cham tasting something by sticking out his tounge.

 

[Miss Lily]

Awww, my little Carpet cham does it too, and the end of his tongue is a little forked too. I think it looks so cute when he does it! Not sure if its a Furcifer thing because I have never saw any of my 3 Veileds do it, and nor does my Jackson.

 

[Spencejah]

Picture please!

 

[Jupiter]

Yep, Aesop is a habitual licker too. I'm not sure whats up with it, but I've heard the territory thing a few times. He seems to do it when he's trying to make up his mind about something.