Longevity of Panther Chameleons 2 - Contributing Factors

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

With all living creatures there are factors that affect health and longevity. You all saw my previous post where I hunted for the oldest living Panther chameleon! It turned out to be Dopey, he is 9 years old and still doing quite well for his age! With this new thread I am asking that all forum members contribute all you know about factors that could contribute to panther chameleon longevity!

Here are some factors I wonder about:
1) Breeding - it seems like panthers are bread at a relatively young age. Shouldn't we try to find the older chameleons out there and breed them? They seem to have the longevity gene!
2) Diet - variety of bugs, proper gutloading and vitamin/minimal dusting seems to be the answer - but what is the best formula?

These are just a few, let's work on this guys! We care about our chameleons, let's figure it out!

 

[MissLissa]

Wouldn't this be anecdotal, at best? It's not like anyone has published a comprehensive panther chameleon study on the effects of a given supplementation regimen on longevity (at least, not that I've found). I once met a lady whose dachshund lived for 18 years eating nothing but peanut butter and milkbones: that doesn't mean the secret to canine longevity is Smooth Kraft PB and cheap horse-flavoured crackers. We don't even know why some humans live longer than others, other than the mere basics, and we have vast resources dedicated to that one singular species on that specific topic. I don't think the information you're going to get here is going to be any more useful- or earthshatteringly different- than what you'd find on the panther cham caresheet. There is no secret fountain of chameleon youth, or human youth, or canine youth... Not even Smooth Kraft Peanut Butter.

 

[wodesorel]

Given that chameleons burn fast and die young, wouldn't it be more stressful on a female to be breeding at an older age? And if it's true they only live a season or so in the wild - and given how young they can breed, how many eggs are produced in a year and the length of incubation time, I can believe that - then isn't 5 years spectacular in captivity? I was always under the impression that they lived shorter lives in our care, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Some animals simply have short lives. The older chameleons that have been discussed have a whole host of age-related health problems, which means that's about as old as they can get.

 

[MissLissa]

Some animals simply have short lives. The older chameleons that have been discussed have a whole host of age-related health problems, which means that's about as old as they can get.

Maybe the question isn't "how can they live longer" but "should they". A shorter, healthy and robust life seems to me better then a long, drawn out life of discomfort... but I'm sure there are those who would disagree with me; and that's okay too.

 

[gotwqqd]

What is a typical lifespan in the wild? And what is the usual means of mortality?

Gout seems to be a regular occurrence on the forums... Do we know if this is true in the wild?
Seems if so, it would be a major cause of death.

 

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

As for humans, not true (have you read the book "The China Study"), are you aware of the fact that the religious group "Seventh Day Adventists" lives a average of 15 to 20 years longer than most other humans on the planet? Or that they in general have less aches and pains and live more productive lives than the average? Or how about the fact that it is all due to exercise and diet! Come on, we have thousands of people here putting our heart and soul in to taking care of our chameleons! If we work together and combine our knowlege with our practical and observational experience I am sure we, together, can change the future of chameleon care!

With gout for instance: gout is caused by uric acid in the chameleons body. Some people do not know or realize it, but adult cockroaches of all kinds save up uric acid like we humans save up fat as a energy reserve! Feeding off young, fast growing cockroaches only therefore reduces the future risk of gout! So does over hydration by washing out uric acid out of the chameleons body! Let's look at the as glass half full and work together here! We can do it, we are a intelligent bunsh with a passion here!

 

[jannb]

Breeding definitely shortens their live, especially the females.

A large variety of well gutloaded feeders are important. I recommend a good dry Gutload such as Cricket Crack along with fresh fruits and veggies. Try not to over feed, that can cause health issues. Do not over supplement that can cause major health issues. If you live in a climate where you can give your chameleon outside time, that's very important too.

 

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

Thanks jannb, your input is much appreciated!

 

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

What is a typical lifespan in the wild? And what is the usual means of mortality?

Gout seems to be a regular occurrence on the forums... Do we know if this is true in the wild?
Seems if so, it would be a major cause of death.

Thanks for your useful contribution! I do agreed!

 

[ponders]

I think the young robust males are the ones actively breeding. The older the male, the less interested he becomes. And the females should be bred in their prime. IMHO

 

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

Thanks! I love the feedback! Keep it comming!