Oustalet’s Chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti) Care Sheet
Oustalet’s Chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti), also known as the Malagasy Giant Chameleon, is one of the largest chameleon species in the world. It is native to Madagascar, where it occupies an unusually broad range of habitats including dry forest, woodland, scrub, agricultural land, gardens and other human-modified environments.
Its adaptability sometimes leads to the assumption that it is an easy chameleon to keep. This is misleading. A large adult requires an exceptionally spacious, strongly ventilated arboreal enclosure, powerful but carefully controlled lighting, appropriate UVB, excellent hydration and substantial quantities of varied live prey.
Large males can become extremely impressive animals, commonly exceeding 50 cm (20 in) total length and occasionally approaching approximately 60–70 cm (24–28 in).
Oustalet’s Chameleons are generally more tolerant of warm and seasonally dry conditions than many montane chameleons, but they still require:
- Access to cooler shaded areas
- Nighttime temperature reduction
- Regular drinking opportunities
- Humidity cycling rather than permanent dampness
- Extensive foliage
- Individual housing
- Minimal unnecessary handling
This is best considered an:
intermediate-to-advanced large chameleon species.
Quick facts
Scientific name: Furcifer oustaleti
Common names: Oustalet’s Chameleon, Malagasy Giant Chameleon, Giant Malagasy Chameleon
Family: Chamaeleonidae
Native distribution: Madagascar
Introduced populations: Established locally outside Madagascar, including parts of southern Florida
Lifestyle: Arboreal
Activity: Diurnal
Adult male size: Commonly approximately 45–60 cm (18–24 in), with exceptionally large individuals potentially approaching 70 cm (28 in)
Adult female size: Generally approximately 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
Lifespan: Approximately 5–8+ years with good husbandry; males may live longer than heavily reproducing females
Diet: Primarily insectivorous, with opportunistic consumption of other small animals
Day ambient temperature: Approximately 24–28°C (75–82°F)
Warm upper zone: Approximately 27–30°C (81–86°F)
Adult male basking temperature: Approximately 31–34°C (88–93°F)
Female basking temperature: Approximately 29–32°C (84–90°F)
Cool area: Approximately 21–24°C (70–75°F)
Night temperature: Approximately 17–22°C (63–72°F)
Day humidity: Approximately 40–60%
Night/post-misting humidity: Approximately 70–90% with excellent airflow
UVB: Essential
Suggested basking UVI: Approximately 3–4
Adult enclosure: At least approximately 120 × 90 × 180 cm (4 × 3 × 6 ft) for a large adult male; 180 × 90 × 180 cm (6 × 3 × 6 ft) or larger strongly preferred
Housing: Individual housing strongly recommended
Reproduction: Egg-laying
Handling: Minimal
Experience level: Intermediate to advanced
Taxonomy
The accepted scientific name is:
Furcifer oustaleti
It belongs to:
Family: Chamaeleonidae
Genus: Furcifer
Older literature may refer to the species as:
Chamaeleo oustaleti**.**
Similar species
Oustalet’s Chameleon can sometimes be confused with other large Madagascan Furcifer, particularly:
- Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis)
- Verrucosus Chameleon (Furcifer verrucosus)
Correct species identification is important because environmental requirements and reproductive biology differ.
Natural distribution
Oustalet’s Chameleon occurs across a large portion of:
Madagascar.
Its exceptionally broad distribution contributes to substantial variation in:
- Climate
- Colour
- Adult size
- Seasonal conditions
Habitat
Unlike some Madagascan chameleons restricted to intact rainforest, F. oustaleti occurs in a broad variety of habitats.
These include:
- Dry deciduous forest
- Savannah woodland
- Scrub
- Forest edge
- Secondary growth
- Agricultural land
- Plantations
- Gardens
- Roadside vegetation
Adaptability
The species’ ability to persist in disturbed environments is unusual among chameleons.
However, adaptability in the wild does not mean captive animals should be subjected to:
- Poor ventilation
- Inadequate UVB
- Small enclosures
- Chronic dehydration
Arboreal lifestyle
Oustalet’s Chameleons spend most of their time above ground in:
- Trees
- Shrubs
- Large bushes
- Agricultural vegetation
Movement
They move slowly and deliberately through vegetation but can cover substantial distances when:
- Searching for food
- Seeking mates
- Moving between basking and shaded areas
Adult size
Oustalet’s is one of the largest living chameleons.
Large males commonly reach approximately:
45–60 cm (18–24 in) total length.
Exceptional individuals may become larger.
Females
Females are substantially smaller and lighter than mature males.
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males generally develop:
- Larger overall body size
- Larger casque
- More substantial head
- Larger tail base
- More robust limbs
Colouration
Oustalet’s Chameleons are generally more muted than Panther Chameleons.
Common colours include:
- Grey
- Brown
- Olive
- Green
- Tan
- Yellowish tones
Pattern
Individuals may show:
- Vertical bars
- Speckling
- Mottling
- Pale lateral markings
Colour change
Colour changes according to:
- Temperature
- Stress
- Social interaction
- Reproductive condition
- Background
Dark colour
Darkening may help an animal absorb heat during:
morning basking.
Persistent dark colour combined with poor behaviour or appetite should prompt husbandry review.
Behaviour
Oustalet’s Chameleons are generally:
calm but alert.
Individual temperament varies.
Captive-bred animals
Captive-bred animals often become accustomed to:
- Keeper presence
- Feeding routines
- Routine enclosure work
Handling
Even a tolerant individual should not be treated as a frequently handled pet.
Handling stress
Excessive handling can cause:
- Defensive colouration
- Gaping
- Hissing
- Feeding disruption
- Chronic stress
Voluntary handling
Where movement is necessary, encourage the chameleon to:
walk voluntarily onto a branch or hand.
Never pull from a branch
Chameleons have exceptionally strong feet.
Pulling an animal from a branch can injure:
- Toes
- Feet
- Limbs
Bite
A large adult male can deliver a:
strong and painful bite.
Enclosure requirements
Oustalet’s Chameleons need substantially larger enclosures than many commercially sold chameleon cages provide.
Adult male enclosure
For a large male, provide at least approximately:
120 × 90 × 180 cm (4 × 3 × 6 ft).
Preferred male enclosure
Approximately:
180 × 90 × 180 cm (6 × 3 × 6 ft)
or larger is strongly preferred.
Very large males
Exceptionally large adults benefit from:
walk-in or room-sized accommodation.
Adult female enclosure
A mature female should have at least approximately:
90 × 60 × 150 cm (3 × 2 × 5 ft),
with larger accommodation preferred.
Why enclosure depth matters
Depth allows:
- Better foliage
- More shade
- Greater privacy
- Stronger thermal gradients
A narrow tall cage gives considerably less usable space.
Enclosure type
Suitable designs include:
- Screen enclosures
- Hybrid screen/PVC enclosures
- Large custom wooden vivaria with extensive ventilation
- Walk-in planted enclosures
Ireland and UK
In Ireland and the UK, fully screened cages can make maintaining suitable:
- Temperatures
- Humidity
difficult during cooler months.
Hybrid enclosures are often easier to manage.
Ventilation
Provide:
excellent airflow.
Humidity and ventilation
The aim is not to maintain a permanently damp enclosure.
Instead provide:
hydration events followed by drying periods.
Furnishings
Provide numerous:
- Strong branches
- Vines
- Live plants
- Horizontal pathways
- Diagonal pathways
Branch strength
Large males require exceptionally sturdy branches.
Branch diameter
Provide multiple diameters so the animal can exercise its feet naturally.
Branch network
Create continuous pathways throughout the enclosure.
Basking branch
Position a strong branch below:
- Basking heat
- UVB
at the correct measured distance.
Foliage
Dense foliage is essential.
Shade
The chameleon must be able to retreat completely from:
- Heat
- UVB
- Keeper view
Live plants
Suitable robust plants may include:
- Ficus
- Schefflera
- Pothos
- Hibiscus
provided they are:
- Non-toxic
- Pesticide-free
- Structurally strong
Plant preparation
Wash plants thoroughly and remove potentially contaminated:
- Compost
- Fertiliser granules
- Pesticide residues
Artificial foliage
Artificial foliage can supplement live plants but should not contain:
- Sharp wire
- Loose plastic pieces
Drainage
Effective drainage is essential.
Large chameleon enclosures may receive several litres of water during misting.
Drainage options
Suitable systems include:
- Drainage trays
- Bulkhead fittings
- Plumbed drains
Standing water
Do not allow water to remain pooled at the enclosure base.
Temperature
Oustalet’s Chameleons tolerate warmer environments than many Madagascan montane species, but they still require:
thermal choice.
Day ambient temperature
Maintain approximately:
24–28°C (75–82°F).
Warm upper zone
The upper section may reach:
27–30°C (81–86°F).
Adult male basking
Provide approximately:
31–34°C (88–93°F).
Female basking
Females generally do well around:
29–32°C (84–90°F).
Why females may be kept slightly cooler
Excessive heat and abundant food can contribute to:
- Rapid maturation
- Increased reproductive output
Maintaining females slightly less intensely than large males can help manage reproductive demand.
Cool area
Provide shaded areas around:
21–24°C (70–75°F).
Night temperature
Allow nighttime temperatures to fall toward approximately:
17–22°C (63–72°F).
Night cooling
A nighttime reduction is beneficial even for this relatively warm-tolerant species.
Avoid constant warmth
Do not maintain the enclosure at approximately:
27–30°C (81–86°F) all night.
Heatwave management
During very warm weather, ensure the animal still has access to areas below approximately:
25°C (77°F)
where possible.
Heating
Use overhead heat.
Basking lamp
A halogen flood lamp is suitable.
Large males
Large males may require:
multiple overlapping lamps
to create a broad basking area.
Avoid tiny hotspots
A large chameleon should not have to position only one small body area beneath heat.
Thermostat
Use appropriate safety control.
Temperature monitoring
Measure:
- Basking branch
- Warm air
- Cool air
- Night minimum
UVB
UVB is essential for healthy:
- Calcium metabolism
- Bone formation
- Muscle function
Suggested UVI
Provide approximately:
UVI 3–4
at the principal exposed basking position.
UV gradient
Also provide:
- UVI 1–3 across partially shaded branches
- Below 1 in dense foliage
- Near-zero UV retreats
What this means in practice
A high-quality:
linear T5 UVB lamp
is normally appropriate.
UVB lamp selection
Required strength depends upon:
- Lamp model
- Reflector
- Mesh
- Distance
- Basking position
Mesh effect
Mesh can significantly reduce actual UVB reaching the animal.
UV meter
Where possible, use an appropriate UV meter to establish actual:
UVI at the basking branch.
Lamp replacement
Replace UVB lamps according to:
- Manufacturer guidance
- Measured output
rather than assuming visible light means UVB remains adequate.
Visible lighting
Provide strong daylight-spectrum illumination.
Why brightness matters
Oustalet’s Chameleons naturally live under very bright Madagascan daylight.
Daylight LEDs
High-quality LED lighting can supplement:
- UVB
- Basking lamps
Photoperiod
Approximately:
11–13 hours of daylight
is appropriate depending on season.
Night lighting
Provide:
complete darkness.
Do not use permanent:
- Red lights
- Blue lights
- Purple lights
Humidity
Oustalet’s Chameleons experience pronounced seasonal rainfall changes.
They should not be maintained at tropical-rainforest humidity continuously.
Day humidity
Approximately:
40–60%
works well for much of the daytime.
Night humidity
Humidity may rise toward:
70–90%
overnight.
Post-misting humidity
Temporary peaks can be higher.
Drying cycle
Branches and leaves should have time to:
dry substantially during the day.
Why drying matters
Constantly wet conditions can contribute to:
- Skin disease
- Bacterial growth
- Respiratory problems
Ventilation
High humidity events must be combined with:
strong air exchange.
Hydration
Despite tolerating seasonally dry conditions, the species still requires:
regular access to drinking water.
Misting
Provide substantial misting sessions approximately:
once or twice daily
depending on enclosure conditions.
Morning misting
A morning session encourages:
- Drinking
- Eye cleaning
- Natural activity
Evening misting
A lighter evening session can support:
- Hydration
- Overnight humidity increase
Dripper
A dripper can provide an additional daytime water source.
Water bowl
Do not rely on a conventional bowl as the main drinking method.
Drinking
Chameleons generally recognise:
moving droplets
more readily than standing water.
Urates
Monitor urates as part of hydration assessment.
Normal urates
Well-hydrated urates are usually predominantly:
white.
Mild yellow
Small amounts of yellow may occur occasionally.
Persistent dark orange or very dry urates can indicate:
dehydration.
Diet
Oustalet’s Chameleons are primarily:
insectivorous predators.
Natural prey
Wild diets include a broad variety of:
- Insects
- Spiders
- Other arthropods
Large adults may opportunistically consume:
- Small lizards
- Other small vertebrates
Captive diet philosophy
A broad range of invertebrates should remain:
the dietary foundation.
Suitable staple feeders
Offer:
- Locusts
- Crickets
- Dubia or other suitable roaches
- Silkworms
- Black soldier fly larvae
Additional variety
Useful feeders include:
- Hornworms
- Flies
- Moths
- Stick insects where safely cultured
- Appropriate beetle larvae
- Captive-produced snails
Large adults
Large males can consume substantial feeders, but prey should still be appropriately sized.
Vertebrate prey
Routine feeding of:
- Mice
- Other lizards
- Vertebrates
is unnecessary.
Why avoid rodents
Rodents provide:
- High calories
- Excessive fat
- More nutrition than needed
for routine chameleon husbandry.
Adult male feeding
A healthy adult male can generally be fed:
3–4 times weekly.
Female feeding
Adult females should generally receive:
controlled feeding
rather than unlimited food.
Juveniles
Growing juveniles can receive appropriately sized prey:
daily or almost daily.
Obesity
A large chameleon should still remain:
lean and muscular.
Gut loading
All conventional feeder insects should be:
properly gut loaded.
Calcium
Dust feeders appropriately with:
calcium.
Multivitamin
Provide a suitable reptile multivitamin on a conservative schedule.
Vitamin D3
Supplemental D3 should be balanced against:
measured UVB provision.
Over-supplementation
Excessive supplementation can cause its own health problems.
Social housing
Oustalet’s Chameleons should be housed:
individually.
Adult males
Adult males are territorial and should never be routinely housed together.
Females
Females can also experience significant stress from other chameleons.
Constant visual contact
Even animals in separate cages can react to constantly seeing:
- Other males
- Females
Visual barriers
Use:
- Solid partitions
- Dense foliage
where necessary.
Pair housing
Permanent male/female housing is not recommended.
Breeding introductions
Introduce adults only when breeding is intended.
Courtship
A receptive female may tolerate:
- Male approach
- Head movements
- Following
Non-receptive female
A non-receptive female may:
- Darken
- Gap
- Rock
- Attempt to flee
- Threaten the male
Separation
Separate immediately if:
- Chasing becomes persistent
- Biting occurs
- Female stress is obvious
Reproduction
Oustalet’s Chameleons are:
oviparous — egg-laying.
Reproductive capacity
Females can produce relatively large clutches.
Sexual maturity
Do not breed females based solely on age.
A female should be:
- Physically mature
- Well grown
- Properly hydrated
- In good skeletal condition
Reproductive nutrition
Correct:
- Calcium
- UVB
- Hydration
- Body condition
are critical.
Gravid female
Possible signs include:
- Increased abdominal volume
- Reduced receptivity
- Increased ground investigation
- Digging behaviour
Nesting substrate
Provide mature females with at least:
30–40 cm (12–16 in)
of diggable substrate.
Preferred nesting depth
Approximately:
40–50 cm (16–20 in)
provides greater choice for a large female.
Nesting container size
The laying container should be large enough for the female to:
- Enter fully
- Turn around
- Dig a complete tunnel
Nest substrate
A suitable mix can contain:
- Topsoil
- Sand
Moisture
The substrate should be:
slightly moist and capable of holding a tunnel.
Nest privacy
Females should be given:
maximum privacy while digging.
Disturbance
Repeatedly watching or disturbing a laying female can cause her to:
abandon the nest.
Clutch size
Oustalet’s Chameleons can produce substantial clutches.
Approximately:
20–50 eggs
is a practical general range.
Larger clutches can occasionally occur.
Why large clutches matter
Egg production places major demands on:
- Calcium
- Energy reserves
- Hydration
Reproductive depletion
Repeated breeding can significantly shorten female lifespan.
Female breeding management
Avoid:
- Excessive feeding
- Excessive heat
- Continuous access to males
Post-laying care
After laying, provide:
- Immediate hydration
- Calcium-rich gut-loaded prey
- Appropriate supplementation
- Reduced disturbance
Infertile eggs
Females can potentially develop infertile eggs even without recent mating.
A suitable laying area should therefore be available to:
mature females regardless of breeding plans.
Egg handling
If eggs are removed:
- Handle gently
- Maintain orientation
- Avoid rotation
Incubation medium
Suitable media include:
- Vermiculite
- Perlite
Moisture
Maintain the incubation medium:
moist but not saturated.
Incubation temperature
A practical incubation range is approximately:
24–27°C (75–81°F).
Incubation duration
Eggs commonly require approximately:
7–10 months
to hatch.
Individual clutches may vary.
Avoid excessive temperature
Do not raise incubation temperatures simply to:
speed development.
Seasonal incubation
Moderate seasonal temperature variation may reflect natural conditions better than maintaining one high temperature continuously.
Hatchlings
Hatchlings should be raised separately from adults.
Hatchling enclosure
Provide:
- Fine branches
- Dense plants
- Excellent ventilation
- Gentle heat
- UVB
- Regular hydration
Hatchling enclosure size
A single young animal can initially be housed in approximately:
60 × 45 × 90 cm (2 × 1½ × 3 ft).
Upgrade as it grows.
Hatchling temperature
Maintain daytime ambient temperatures around:
23–26°C (73–79°F).
Hatchling basking
Provide approximately:
27–29°C (81–84°F).
Hatchling cool area
Maintain approximately:
21–23°C (70–73°F).
Hatchling night temperature
Allow temperatures to fall toward:
18–21°C (64–70°F).
Hatchling UVB
Provide approximately:
UVI 1.5–2.5
at accessible exposed branches.
Hatchling humidity
Maintain:
- Moderate daytime humidity
- Higher nighttime humidity
- Excellent ventilation
Hatchling diet
Offer:
- Pinhead crickets
- Tiny roach nymphs
- Flightless fruit flies
- Small black soldier fly larvae
- Bean beetles
- Other appropriately sized prey
Hatchling feeding
Feed:
daily.
Hatchling supplementation
Provide:
- Gut-loaded prey
- Light calcium supplementation
- Conservative multivitamin
- Appropriate UVB
Quarantine
All newly acquired Oustalet’s Chameleons should undergo quarantine.
At least:
90 days
is a sensible minimum.
Quarantine enclosure
Quarantine housing must still provide:
- Branches
- Foliage
- UVB
- Hydration
- Correct temperature
- Ventilation
Wild-caught animals
Wild-origin animals may arrive with:
- Parasites
- Dehydration
- Injuries
- Poor body condition
- Shipping stress
Captive-bred preference
Choose:
documented captive-bred animals whenever possible.
Faecal examination
Veterinary faecal testing is especially advisable for:
- Wild-caught animals
- Imported animals
- Animals of unknown history
Weight monitoring
Record body weight regularly.
Common health concerns
Potential problems include:
- Metabolic bone disease
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Parasites
- Respiratory disease
- Eye problems
- Burns
- Hyperthermia
- Foot injuries
- Reproductive disease
Metabolic bone disease
Possible signs include:
- Weak grip
- Tremors
- Bent limbs
- Soft jaw
- Fractures
MBD prevention
Provide:
- Appropriate UVB
- Calcium
- Properly gut-loaded prey
- Correct temperatures
Dehydration
Possible signs include:
- Sunken eyes
- Thick or orange urates
- Lethargy
- Reduced feeding
Obesity
Potential signs include:
- Excessive casque fat
- Heavy body condition
- Reduced activity
Preventing obesity
Control:
- Feeding quantity
- High-fat feeders
- Female reproductive feeding
Respiratory disease
Risk increases with:
- Poor ventilation
- Permanently wet conditions
- Incorrect temperature
Respiratory warning signs
Watch for:
- Wheezing
- Clicking
- Nasal discharge
- Excess mucus
- Persistent abnormal gaping
Eye health
Healthy chameleon eyes should remain:
- Full
- Mobile
- Open during daylight
Daytime eye closure
Persistent closed eyes during the daytime should be treated as:
a significant health warning.
Burns
Prevent access to:
- Hot bulbs
- Heating elements
- Unprotected fixtures
Hyperthermia
Signs may include:
- Continuous gaping
- Restlessness
- Seeking the enclosure floor
- Weakness
Foot health
Provide branches of several diameters to prevent constant pressure on:
- Feet
- Toes
Reproductive disease
Females may experience:
- Calcium depletion
- Egg retention
- Dystocia
- Follicular disease
Possible dystocia
Seek veterinary assistance for:
- Persistent unsuccessful digging
- Severe weakness
- Straining
- Prolonged anorexia
- Continued abdominal enlargement
Veterinary red flags
Consult a suitably experienced reptile veterinarian for:
- Persistent anorexia
- Significant weight loss
- Sunken eyes
- Weak grip
- Tremors
- Daytime eye closure
- Abnormal breathing
- Serious injury
- Suspected reproductive problems
Cleaning
Remove:
- Faeces
- Dead feeder insects
- Spoiled organic material
promptly.
Drainage maintenance
Regularly check:
- Drainage trays
- Pipes
- Substrate
for excessive water accumulation.
Plant maintenance
Remove:
- Rotting leaves
- Mould
- Damaged branches
Seasonal husbandry
Madagascar experiences substantial:
- Wet/dry seasonal changes
- Regional temperature variation
Wet season
During wetter periods:
- Increase misting modestly
- Increase food availability
- Maintain good ventilation
Dry season
During drier periods:
- Reduce misting frequency somewhat
- Maintain reliable drinking opportunities
- Allow stronger daytime drying
Brumation
Oustalet’s Chameleons do not undergo:
temperate-style brumation.
Conservation
Oustalet’s Chameleon remains one of Madagascar’s more widespread and adaptable chameleon species.
However, wild populations are still affected by:
- Habitat change
- Collection
- International trade
CITES
Oustalet’s Chameleon is regulated under:
CITES Appendix II.
International trade
International movement may require:
- CITES export documentation
- Import documentation
- National permits
Captive-bred animals
Documented captive-bred animals are strongly preferable to newly imported wild specimens.
Introduced populations
Oustalet’s Chameleons have established introduced populations outside Madagascar, including in:
southern Florida.
Introduced does not mean free to collect
Local wildlife regulations may control:
- Capture
- Possession
- Sale
- Transport
of introduced reptiles.
Always check current law.
Never release captive animals
Never release a captive Oustalet’s Chameleon.
Provenance
Retain:
- Breeder information
- Purchase receipt
- Hatch date
- Parentage
- CITES documentation
- Import/export paperwork where applicable
Common husbandry mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Underestimating adult size
- Keeping a large male in a standard small chameleon cage
- Providing insufficient enclosure depth
- Providing weak branches
- Providing sparse foliage
- Keeping the entire enclosure too warm
- Maintaining warm nights
- Providing no cool shaded area
- Using a tiny basking spot for a huge animal
- Providing inadequate UVB
- Providing excessive UVB without shade
- Keeping humidity permanently high
- Providing poor ventilation
- Failing to provide enough drinking time
- Relying on a water bowl
- Feeding only crickets
- Routine rodent feeding
- Overfeeding adult females
- Keeping adults together
- Allowing continuous visual contact
- Providing females with shallow laying substrate
- Disturbing females while nesting
- Failing to provide laying substrate to unmated females
- Failing to quarantine
- Buying wild-caught animals when captive-bred stock is available
Responsible ownership
Before obtaining an Oustalet’s Chameleon, ensure you can provide:
- At least approximately 120 × 90 × 180 cm (4 × 3 × 6 ft) for a large adult male
- Preferably 180 × 90 × 180 cm (6 × 3 × 6 ft) or larger
- Strong interconnected branches
- Dense live foliage
- Excellent ventilation
- Effective drainage
- Day temperatures around 24–28°C (75–82°F)
- Male basking around 31–34°C (88–93°F)
- Cooler areas around 21–24°C (70–75°F)
- Night temperatures around 17–22°C (63–72°F)
- Moderate daytime humidity
- Higher nighttime humidity
- Regular substantial misting
- Reliable drinking opportunities
- Bright visible-spectrum lighting
- Appropriate UVB
- UVI approximately 3–4 at the basking branch
- A varied live-invertebrate diet
- Proper gut loading
- Appropriate supplementation
- Individual housing
- Deep laying substrate for every mature female
- Quarantine facilities
- Access to a chameleon-experienced veterinarian
- Legal documented provenance
Summary
Oustalet’s Chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti) is one of the world’s largest chameleons and occurs widely across Madagascar.
Large males commonly reach approximately:
45–60 cm (18–24 in)
and exceptionally large individuals may become even bigger.
For a mature male, provide at least approximately:
120 × 90 × 180 cm (4 × 3 × 6 ft),
with:
180 × 90 × 180 cm (6 × 3 × 6 ft)
or larger strongly preferred.
Maintain daytime ambient temperatures around:
24–28°C (75–82°F)
with an adult male basking area around:
31–34°C (88–93°F).
Provide cooler shaded areas around:
21–24°C (70–75°F)
and allow nighttime temperatures to fall toward:
17–22°C (63–72°F).
Maintain daytime humidity around:
40–60%
with nighttime/post-misting increases toward approximately:
70–90%.
Allow substantial drying between hydration events and provide:
excellent ventilation.
Use appropriately measured UVB producing approximately:
UVI 3–4
at the principal basking branch.
Feed a diverse invertebrate diet based around:
- Locusts
- Crickets
- Roaches
- Silkworms
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Flies
- Moths
- Other suitable prey
with correct gut loading and supplementation.
Adults should be:
housed individually.
Females require careful reproductive management and deep nesting substrate, even when they have not been intentionally mated.
Oustalet’s Chameleons are regulated under:
CITES Appendix II.
Their enormous potential adult size, hydration requirements and need for extensive arboreal housing make them a species that should only be acquired once suitable adult accommodation has already been planned.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.
Always check current legislation governing the acquisition, collection, import, transport, keeping, breeding or sale of reptiles in your jurisdiction.
If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or reptile veterinarian.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: September 2026