Chameleon Mortality in First Year after Acquisition

[jajeanpierre]

Here is a very sobering study. I think everyone who has chameleons should read it.

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0141460

A staggering 28.2% of chameleons die within their first year of acquisition compared to the average of 3.6% for all reptiles. That's a very shocking number, especially considering 88.8% of the reptiles were captive bred, not wild caughts.

Their extremely high mortality rate is why experienced keepers jump all over a newcomer whose husbandry practices are outside the norm. Chameleons are not as forgiving of poor or inadequate husbandry practices as other reptiles. Newcomers to chameleons really need to heed the advice and follow the practices of experienced keepers who don't have a 28.2% mortality rate. Newcomers also need to not take criticisms of their husbandry practices personally.

 

[JaniP]

I wish I could like this more than once. I've book marked it to pass it on every time we (experienced forum members) get told we are being rude.

 

[jajeanpierre]

I wish I could like this more than once. I've book marked it to pass it on every time we (experienced forum members) get told we are being rude.

Thanks for bookmarking it--I won't be able to find it in two days!!! I found it on ChemEO's facebook page.

 

[Lathis]

Some interesting quotes, taken out of context, but not taken out of intent, and some thoughts of my own:

• "Overall, 3.6% of snakes, chelonians and lizards died within one year of acquisition. Boas and pythons had the lowest reported mortality rates of 1.9% and chameleons had the highest at 28.2%."
  • See the attached chart from the report. Of the studied animals, chameleon death rates are not only the highest of all groups, but they are higher than the next highest group by a factor of 3. This is unnecessary and unacceptable.

• "More than 97% of snakes, 87% of lizards and 69% of chelonians acquired by respondents over five years were reported to be captive bred and results suggest that mortality rates may be lowest for captive bred individuals."
  • Later in the article, they say that although there appears to be a correlation here, their dataset for this study was too small to confirm this hypothesis. One thing to note is that the survey was undertaken in the UK and with a relatively small sample size of about 250 people from "the reptile community".

• "However, there are few data in peer-reviewed literature concerning mortality of reptiles in the home (i.e. in the hands of an end-consumer). For example, the most comprehensive study to date concerning mortality in transit, analysed data for more than 7.4 million individual animals and reported an average dead on arrival (DOA) mortality rate of 3.14% for reptiles."
  • My gut feeling is that both the 1-year death rate for all reptiles of this study at 3.6% and the earlier study of 3.14% seem very low. There is a critical commentary of the article that is worth reading on the "Comments" tab (http://www.plosone.org/annotation/listThread.action?root=87705) which discusses some issues with potential dishonesty in voluntary responses, bias in the survey, and sampling issues. All relevant points to consider. Another important point is that this study was done in the UK; in the US, I would not be surprised to see values that are very different.

• "There was a significant positive relationship between the perceived difficulty of keeping reptiles and the perceived survival rates, with those rated more difficult to keep also rated as having poorer survival rates."
  • Even if we discount the hard percentages of death provided by the survey and look at overall patterns, we see a frighteningly disproportionate death rate for chameleons.

• [Emphasis in the following paragraph is mine, not from the authors] "Whilst our estimates for mortality rates of most lizards were between 5% and 10%, chameleons had a higher mortality rate of 28%. Chameleons require specialised husbandry [42] and published reports on the longevity of this group in nature are limited. In the available studies, Cape dwarf chameleons (Bradypodion pumilumare) are reported to have annual survival rates of approximately 5% [43]; female panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) seldom live longer than one year, whilst males live longer [44] and studies have revealed particularly short post-hatching life spans of four to five months for Labord’s chameleon (Furcifer labordi) [45]. However, due to the paucity of research in this area it is difficult to draw solid conclusions about chameleon survival in the wild, and some species do have the capacity to reach ages of up to nine years in captivity [46]. In any case, specialism does not necessarily correspond with high mortality in captivity, as indicated by our finding that actual mortality rates were significantly correlated with perceived survival rates (high mortality, poor rated survival), but not with how difficult respondents felt the reptile groups were to keep. Difficulty keeping a reptile may therefore not always equate to high mortality, but may instead indicate higher requirements of husbandry and investment, which experienced keepers may be able to provide."

• I wonder here if respondents reported high death rates for chameleons, but also reported them as "easy to keep". Is a critical lack of understanding of the specialized needs of chameleons is creating a disconnect between perception and the reality of the extra equipment and care they need? (For example, if someone put a chameleon in an aquarium, no vines, no UV, no calcium, and a waterbowl, and then have several chameleons die over a few years - would that person still report them as "easy" reptiles because all you have to do is thrown in some crickets? They just happen to die a lot?)

And most importantly, the big lesson for all of us (again, emphasis is mine not the authors):

"An improved understanding of mortality rates of reptiles in the home may guide the regulation of the reptile pet trade and have direct policy implications. Whilst species may survive collection, breeding or transport, if they cannot be adequately maintained in captivity by end-users, then as long as demand exists for those animals, elevated numbers will be required to replace dead animals. In cases where species are harvested from the wild, this may directly impact species conservation where inadequate monitoring or sustainable use programs exist at the source."​

 

[ChamDE86]

A lot of the new keepers are given bad advice by pet store employees and come to the forum once the chameleon's health has deteriorated. By then, it is usually too late or they come to find out the amount of time and money required to take care of one, which doesn't bode well for the chameleon itself. With the exception of a couple, I'd say the community has done fairly well in handling first time owners. I've only witnessed members being "authoritatively nasty" to trolls and new keepers who insist they know EVERYTHING. Other than that, this forum has been quite wonderful.

 

[brownie64]

I can personally see both sides. From being on hear, and seeing time after time people getting these poor little chameleons and not having a clue what they are doing. And most of the time they have waited until the situation has gone critical before they realize hay I think something is wrong. And lets face it it's the little chams that have to suffer, and to us that love these creatures dearly that makes us real frustrated. So therefore I can see why sometimes people get a little overboard. However we as experienced keepers do need to keep our composure as difficult as that can be at times. After all is anyone going to listen to us if the first thing we do is jump them. No the first thing they are going to do is get defensive. And here again the cham is the one that pays the price. So for the sake of the cham it is our duty to give advise the best we know how in a manner that will be excepted not shunned. my 2cents.

 

[Carlton]

So much depends on the "tone" of the new poster's original message too. I know email is notorious for being misinterpreted, but the way someone introduces themselves and their problems can say a lot about their attitude. In my experience, an OP who arrives with a half joking half cocky tone or someone who uses disrespectful slang is often one who sets off other members, gets a less than polite response, and then the whole thing turns defensive and abrasive. An OP who probably knows they should have taken action a lot sooner is already feeling guilty, so they are already on the defensive. An OP who starts off very worried about their cham and who has tried to read health information already tends to be more receptive...after all they are most worried about their pet, not themselves. Then their whole motivation for buying a cham in the first place tends to be exposed too...

* they want something unusual to show off with so its an ego trip (all about them, not the animal)
*made the complete impulse buy at a pet shop with no thought about actually caring for it, could be any species
*have been intrigued with chams for a while but didn't take the plunge,
*consider any pet relatively disposable and not much of a commitment-mere entertainment

 

[gotwqqd]

I'm glad I'll be going on two months of research and have yet to have purchased the animal.

 

[wodesorel]

Non-reptile and non-pet people don't like being told what to do or to go out and spend more money. I've spent 5 years admining on a hermit crab board, and learned very quickly that there are people who are open to learning the right way, and that there are people who won't listen to anything other than what they already have in their heads. The latter show up to get an ego boost that what they are doing is the 'right way', or they think a week of ownership somehow made them an expert and they can now show everyone else up with their newfound powers. There are also trolls - there are definitely people in this world who get off on going online and causing strife. Knowing which is an extremely overwhelmed and stressed out but open to learning owner, which is completely close-minded, and which is the troll can be impossible in some situations.

The problem is that our communities are about living creatures, so we don't have the luxury of saying 'fine, whatever'. We all know that if we give up then there is a life in trouble on that other end of the screen. That means we tend to be hard handed when someone becomes argumentative (for whatever reason), and that emotions run high when we hear about improper conditions.

I will say that I've been reading everything I can here since joining. As a pet person, nothing I have seen has been rude - not until the OP started sassing back against people who actually know what they're talking about or when they chose to selectively ignore really important advice, repeatedly. But I do think that an overwhelmed owner who is being told they need to spend another paycheck on their already expensive chameleon could take some things the wrong way if they're coming into the conversation already on edge. (Although I think you guys have an easier battle there - try doing the same with someone who bought a $5 pet on a whim and thought that it was supposed to live only a couple of months in a kritter keeper, not 40+ years in a big tropical vivarium.)

As far as their mortality rate - I don't understand how that can be determined as normal or abnormal if no one knows how long they live in the wild? It's like everyone assumes that they must live as long as geckos or snakes, so if they die after a year or two that's bad. Chameleons may just be the mice of the reptile world.

 

[Lathis]

I'm glad I'll be going on two months of research and have yet to have purchased the animal.

That's exactly the way to do it!

 

[Lathis]

Chameleons may just be the mice of the reptile world.

I might be more inclined to entertain the idea if there weren't the body of evidence that the most common species of CB, well-cared-for chameleons live from 4-6 years on average (many even longer) in captivity. In the wild, I would absolutely believe a 2-3 year average life span due to predation, illness, or environmental conditions. Remove those conditions, the life expectancy should double at least. My thoughts are it is a combination of lack of general knowledge of chameleon-specific needs, bad direction provided by retailers (you're spot on with that one, @ChamDE86), and a lack of respect by average pet owners for the needs and care of reptiles. A 30% failure rate for puppies or kittens would never be acceptable - it shouldn't be for any animal.

Fish get the same lack of respect - A lionfish in the wild can live 10 years, but in 3 years, my father went through 5 of them and god-knows-how-many anemones. He considered them replaceable, and it broke my heart as a kid to watch die over and over. Even then, I knew that wasn't right, even though I didn't know what the right way to do it was.

 

[brownie64]

Sometimes it can be the stupidest mistakes that cause the worst catastrophes. All this talk about fish tanks brings it back. I had a beautiful saltwater aquarium with a lot of expensive fish had them for over 9 years. I was spraying paint while doing a model railroading project, and my salt was in the same room. Well salt being the absorbent that it is sucked in all the fumes, and overspray. Needles to say the next water change it only took about a week for all my fish to die. Life can be so fragile that's why we have to remain forever vigilant. Little off topic sorry.

 

[OldChamKeeper]

Interesting topic. I'm wondering on a few things however...

How do they really get their numbers? For example I am a forensic specialist and latent print expert. I know where the stats come from regarding those subjects. In the case of determining the rate of survival in these pets where are they really getting those numbers? I know that when I do lose an animal I don't report it since I don't even know where to report it. That's coming a keeper who would do it by the way. What novice who loses a cornsnake is going to bother? I've seen a lot of uncaring people kill an iguana over the years just because they would not buy a vita-lite or think their ball python likes going to a rock concert draped around their neck.

On the other topic, about senior members not being "nice" to newer ones. My only comment would be look at the recent fiasco on the forums with N***y. Many including myself made genuine effort at first to assist. It was a clear waste of time. I for one don't bother with any topic started by that individual anymore and noticed that for the most part only new members bother with them.

 

[jajeanpierre]

Interesting topic. I'm wondering on a few things however...

How do they really get their numbers? For example I am a forensic specialist and latent print expert. I know where the stats come from regarding those subjects. In the case of determining the rate of survival in these pets where are they really getting those numbers? I know that when I do lose an animal I don't report it since I don't even know where to report it. That's coming a keeper who would do it by the way. What novice who loses a cornsnake is going to bother? I've seen a lot of uncaring people kill an iguana over the years just because they would not buy a vita-lite or think their ball python likes going to a rock concert draped around their neck.

On the other topic, about senior members not being "nice" to newer ones. My only comment would be look at the recent fiasco on the forums with N***y. Many including myself made genuine effort at first to assist. It was a clear waste of time. I for one don't bother with any topic started by that individual anymore and noticed that for the most part only new members bother with them.

If you read the section "Methods" and "Results" at the beginning of the paper, they explain where their data came from and how it was collected.

With regards to your second point, it is definitely in the best interests of the fancy if the people who really know what they are talking about respond even when they are met with resistance. The experienced person might not be able to affect a change in the resistant person directly, but they will reach a lot of other people who are reading but not posting. That said, I do understand the frustration of going to the trouble to try to help someone only to be met with abuse.

 

[PrincessPardalis]

Those statistics are disturbing. For the life of me, I don't understand why so many people are unable to research pets before they buy them. I researched chams for a year before purchasing one. It took me a few months to even decide which species I wanted. I frequently read the "buy a male veiled" advice. I think it's sick that people buy a male veiled first because if it dies, oh well, I'll buy another one for $30. If your animal gets sick, you take it to the vet, period. You don't just wait for it to die and buy another one. Whenever people say to me, "it's just a lizard. If it dies, buy another one," I say "your kid is just a kid. If it dies, have another one." This is why I don't get invited to parties anymore .

 

[jajeanpierre]

Those statistics are disturbing. For the life of me, I don't understand why so many people are unable to research pets before they buy them. I researched chams for a year before purchasing one. It took me a few months to even decide which species I wanted. I frequently read the "buy a male veiled" advice. I think it's sick that people buy a male veiled first because if it dies, oh well, I'll buy another one for $30. If your animal gets sick, you take it to the vet, period. You don't just wait for it to die and buy another one. Whenever people say to me, "it's just a lizard. If it dies, buy another one," I say "your kid is just a kid. If it dies, have another one." This is why I don't get invited to parties anymore .

I think people are advised to buy a male veiled because a male is less problematic and a veiled is one tough, forgiving lizard. They can tolerate and thrive in a variety of conditions. They are also inexpensive. There is nothing wrong with buying a less expensive animal, especially when they have such a high mortality rate.

 

[PrincessPardalis]

I think people are advised to buy a male veiled because a male is less problematic and a veiled is one tough, forgiving lizard. They can tolerate and thrive in a variety of conditions. They are also inexpensive. There is nothing wrong with buying a less expensive animal, especially when they have such a high mortality rate.

I completely agree with you. Advising new owners to buy a male veiled for those reasons is sound advice. I should have been more specific in my post. I was addressing people who specifically say "if it dies, just buy another one." Believe it or not, I have seen people post this on other forums. I even had a friend say that to me in real life. She ended up apologizing because she didn't think that anyone could care about a lizard so much.

 

[wodesorel]

I was addressing people who specifically say "if it dies, just buy another one."

There are people who do this with dogs and cats, too. It's not just reptiles and fish and crustaceans and "cheap" pets!

 

[PrincessPardalis]

There are people who do this with dogs and cats, too. It's not just reptiles and fish and crustaceans and "cheap" pets!

Don't remind me... I've heard "it's just a dog," far too many times.

Dog and cat is another level,cause they more higher position in the food chain,but us in human is totally another story,when the love one is gone....that is irreplaceable for sure!!!

Yes, human life is valuable. I apologize if I offended anyone with my "it's just a kid" comparison. That was not my intention. I love my pets like children, so that's why I thought of the comparison. I'm sorry to everyone if that comparison was out of line. I just get so upset when some people treat animal life like it has no value. Every life is unique, beautiful and valuable.

 

[Gwendalyn.brock]

Don't remind me... I've heard "it's just a dog," far too many times.


Yes, human life is valuable. I apologize if I offended anyone with my "it's just a kid" comparison. That was not my intention. I love my pets like children, so that's why I thought of the comparison. I'm sorry to everyone if that comparison was out of line. I just get so upset when some people treat animal life like it has no value. Every life is unique, beautiful and valuable.

I can't believe people can actually feel that way about something they take so much care of and something that needs them so much. I do know some people who think "if it dies, get another one" and its kind of sickening to me as someone who gets really attached and has suffered a lot of loss, I can't imagine ever just replacing an animal because it died. My first chameleon died and I was hesitant to even get another one because I did everything right and it still died. I am glad that I did get another one but its not a replacement for the first one.