Chameleon medicine: Literature review and viability assessment of chameleons in zoological institutions

Of the 202 species of chameleons, 39% are threatened with extinction. The objectives of this book are: 1) to summarise current veterinary knowledge concerning captive chameleons, and 2) to assess the distribution of species and sexes, fertility, life expectancy, and the main causes of mortality in zoo chameleons in order to promote the conservation of these species. The broader aim of this book is to provide a summary of knowledge for rehabilitators, conservationists, and veterinarians interested in chameleons. Readers will find information on common diseases, including infectious and reproductive pathologies. The results of this project on chameleons in zoological institutions suggest that the female:male ratio of oviparous species should be increased to maximise population maintenance, due to the shorter life expectancy of some females compared to males. This review of causes of mortality would support investigating infectious and renal diseases in chameleons and suggests the need to develop a global survival plan for Chamaeleonidae.