Crossbreeding Panther Chameleons
Article By: Douglas R. Spear
Photo courtesy: Copyright © Kammerflage Kreations
This is my first article, and I have done some research on the topic of cross-breeding Panther chameleons,
however, I found that there are two different sides to the wonder of cross-breeding Panther chameleons.
I hope you enjoy this article, and please bare with me since this is my first.
Side 1: The anti-cross-breeder. . .
Chameleon breeders have shown in many cases that a Nosy Be Panther chameleon and an
Ambanja Panther can successfully be crossbred. However, the babies can often be genetically flawed,
sometimes resulting with death. Although these chameleons may look interesting and full of color,
they are often referred to as "mutts" (like the term used for a mixed dog). By calling them "mutts," it
is degradation of the natural species.
Side 2: The pro-cross-breeder. . .
Now, a look at this side of crossbreeding may help you decide where you stand on this issue. When
it comes to science, they only recognize one species of Panther chameleon. Nosy Be, Diego Suarez,
Ambanja, Tamatave, Sambava, Maroantsetra, and Ankaramy are not different subspecies of the Panther Chameleon, but they are actually names of the
different locations and towns in SouthEast Africa/Madagascar. Since Panther chameleons can come in
many different colors, the breeders and scientists demanded that they be separated somehow so that
the colors would remain "pure" when captive breeding occurred. Therefore, the chameleon exporters "created" the names based
on the nearby towns and cities from where the chameleons were found. However, Ankaramy (Pink Panther Phase) which is rare, is one
of the few Panther chameleons that is not named after a nearby town or city.
Closing Statement:
When professional chameleon breeders are breeding chameleons, mistakes can and do often happen, resulting in
crossbred chameleons. This does not mean that any Panther chameleons are better than another, it just
simply means that there are some hidden secrets to Panther chameleons. Whether you like cross-breeding
Panther chameleons or not, I hope that I have shown you two different sides of this issue. Maybe
now you have your own, or even a new opinion concerning crossbreeding Panther chameleons.
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