More than a third of the 202 identified chameleon species are classified as "vulnerable" or "critically endangered". No data is available regarding the life expectancy of chameleons kept in zoos. The objectives of this study were to determine the sex and species distribution of chameleons kept in zoological institutions, and to assess their reproductive status and life expectancy by sex and species. Distribution and reproduction data of 203 zoos were collected through the Species360's Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) database. Historical demographic data (1980-2024) of chameleons kept in zoos was also collected. A Bayesian survival trajectory analysis was performed to determine the average life expectancy at birth by sex and species for seven chameleon species with more than 70 individuals of each sex. In 2021, 17.8% (36/202) of all identified chameleon species were represented in ZIMS-registered zoos, with panther (Furcifer pardalis; 36%) and veiled (Chamaeleo calyptratus; 27%) chameleons being the most common. Eight species of chameleons were reproduced in zoos, with Jackson's chameleons (Trioceros jacksonii) accounting for 51% of the reported births. Males were more common than females in panther (p < 0.0001) chameleons, while females were more prevalent in common (Chamaeleo chamaeleon; p = 0.003) and Parson's (Calumma parsoni; p = 0.03) chameleons. Veiled and panther chameleons displayed a significant male survival advantage. This study suggests the need to implement changes to promote the conservation of Chamaeleonidae in zoos, including increasing the female:male ratio since males live longer than females in certain species.
Keywords: chamaeleonidae; lizard; longevity; reproduction; reptile.
© 2026 The Author(s). Zoo Biology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.