The animal conservation park has added more individuals of the striking panther chameleon, which can now be seen in the unusual enclosure recreating a fallen tree trunk in the jungle.
As an animal conservation park, one of the most important functions that BIOPARC Valencia fulfills is bring to society a sample of the great diversity of life on the planet and convey the importance of committing to environmental care. In turn, the BIOPARC Foundation works for the preservation of this threatened biodiversity supporting projects that protect endangered species in their native habitats, thus promoting the regeneration of entire ecosystems.
Native to Madagascar, known for being one of the largest in existence and included on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it faces the accelerated deterioration of its native habitat and species trafficking, with 2.000 individuals poached each year to be exported and sold as pets.
Given the alarming deterioration of nature, it is essential to join forces for a common goal of preserving it. This is the context in which BIOPARC works in collaboration with the best European parks. As a result of these actions, coordinated by the Technical Animal Department, the following animals have arrived at the Valencian park: four panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis). These are a male and three females that have been transported from Zurich (Switzerland) using special transport.
A previously adapted one had already been made Large terrarium to ensure maximum well-being Upon arrival, the animal underwent a veterinary check to verify its health. This striking species, already known and loved by visitors to BIOPARC, stands out for the wide range of coloration and patterns of adult males. This varies depending on the place of origin and can range from blue-green, emerald, or turquoise to bright pink with yellow bands. During the mating season, the colors intensify to attract females or during fights with other males, who, if they lose, change to dark colors.
A multitude of life in the “fallen trunk” at BIOPARC Valencia.
Now The new female chameleons are in the attractive outdoor enclosure that recreates a giant "fallen log", and are kept under observation to ensure they adapt properly to their new environment. Meanwhile, the male remains in the indoor facility until the females reach their optimal fertile age. To encourage their natural behaviors and maximum comfort, their space features abundant vegetation, a small lake, automatic rain to simulate their native climate, and areas with different temperature ranges so they can choose where to stand at any time of day.
In this trunk colonized by multitude of life and located within the jungle area, the public can also find other equally peculiar species. Among them, the dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis), the Madagascar tree boa (Acrantophis dumerili), the emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator), the African flower beetle (Pachnoda peregrina), the hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) and the giant day gecko of Madagascar (Phelsuma madagascariensis).
Currently, lThe biggest risks facing the panther chameleon are intensive hunting for sale as a pet and the devastating drought in Madagascar., which is reducing the water available for all of the island's wildlife, including its iconic chameleons. In this sense, it is our responsibility to deepen our understanding of these wonderful domains of untamed nature, disseminate their value, and mobilize for their defense. BIOPARC Foundation It is also present on this island, the largest in Africa and the fourth largest in the world, collaborating on in situ programs such as the Sahamalaza Project, to research and conserve endangered lemur subspecies.
