The Jackson’s Chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii xantholophus) is best suited to being a visual pet and watching them is captivating. It is amazing to see them move with their rocking gait, as if to mimic the twigs of a tree or bush. Watching them eat and the speed at which their tongue darts from their mouths to catch prey, is astounding. And as with almost any chameleon, they can also change their colors to help with camouflaging and hunting. The Jackson’s Chameleon, also known as Jackson’s Three-horned Chameleon or Yellow-Crested Jackson’s Chameleon, comes from Africa in the mountains of Kenya. There are three subspecies. The Jackson’s Chameleon Trioceros jacksonii xantholophus is the nominate species. The other two are the Dwarf Jackson’s Chameleon C. j. merumontanus and the rarely seen Machakos Hills Jackson’s Chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii jacksonii). Hatchlings are 1-3 months old, well starts are 3.5-7 months old, and juveniles are 7 months old.
