Veiled Chameleon

Veiled Chameleon(Chamaeleo calyptratus)	
Veiled Chameleon(Chamaeleo calyptratus)
Image required 	Image required
Invasive Status 	Invasive Status
Mildly Invasive 	Population increasing
Natural Range 	Natural Range
*Arabian Peninsula	
*Arabian Peninsula
Introduced Range	Introduced Range
*Hawaii
*Florida	
*Hawaii
*Florida
Pathways 	Pathways
Pet trade 	Pet trade
Impacts 	Impacts
Predation of native species	
Predation of native species
Control Methods 	Control Methods
Bannins) is a large chameleon, with males up to 61cm long, though females are half that size.	
Bannins) is a large chameleon, with males up to 61cm long, though females are half that size.
==Range==
===Native Range===
Veiled chameleons are native to the Arabian Peninsula. Their range extends from Asir Province in Saudi Arabia to Aden, Yemen. [1]
===Introduced Range===
The veiled chameleon is present in Hawaii on the island of Muai. It may also be present Kuai, although the only sighting there has not been confirmed. [2]
The veiled chameleon may be present in Florida, as over 100 animals were collected in Lee county over the course of a year around 2002. [1/3] It is now found on the southern tip and east of Lake Okeechobee. [4]
==Pathways and Introduction==
It is believed that the veiled chameleons were introduced to Hawaii, and continue to be spread by, reptile enthusiasts who keep the chameleons as pets. [2]
In Florida, the chameleons were introduced as a reptile dealer's outdoor cages were broken into, resulting in the escape of an unknown number of chameleons. Evidence suggets they succeeded in breeding and may have spread. [1]
==Impacts==
Veiled chameleons may harm populations of native insects and even small birds.**/^ They may also compete with and eat native lizards. [3]
==Control and Removal Methods==
Whilst no removal methods are in place, the trade of veiled chameleons is illegal within Hawaii, with a $200 000 maximum penalty. [5]
==Sources==
1 "The Veiled Chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus: A new exotic species in Florida [pdf]
2 Hawaii Invasive Species Council
3 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
4 Everglades Cooperative Species Invasive Management Area
5 Hawaii Biodiversity Information Network
Category:Animals
Category:Reptiles
Category:Lizards
Category:Hawaii (US)
Category:USA