Oustalet's Chameleon, Furcifer oustaleti, a species endemic to Madagascar is
now known to be the second chamaeleonid to be introduced into the state of Florida. The
Veiled Chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus
, is the other species established in Florida. Furcifer oustaleti is one of the largest species
of chameleons, reaching 0.685 m. However, another Madagascar endemic, Calumma parsonii
may be the same size or larger. Another
introduced population of F. oustaleti may is suspected to exist in the vicinity of Nairobi, Kenya. The Florida population was started by
an animal dealer in Dade County, Florida sometime prior to December of 2000.
The extant population inhabits an avocado grove, contains both sexes, as well
as gravid females, and has been able to survive the cold snap of 2010. The
article is available on line from the Center of North American
Herpetology.
Citation
Gillette, C. R., K. L . Krysko, J. A. Wasilewski, G. N. Kieckhefer
III, E. F. Metzger III, M. R. Rochford, D. Cueva, and D. C. Smith. 2010. Oustalet’s
Chameleon, Furcifer oustaleti (Mocquard
1894) (Chamaeleonidae), a Non-indigenous Species Newly Established in Florida. IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians. 17(4):248-249.
Labels: exotic species, Florida, pet trade
