Taking care of Anoles
Anoles, pronounced as /e-noul-iz/, belong to the lizard family. They are the most common pet lizard in the world, often called American chameleons for their ability to change color. Anoles are intelligent but shy creatures and, though best left in their housing, can become somewhat comfortable with being handled. However, they require very gentle handling and can easily be crushed and stressed. Never pick them up by the tail as they may drop it. The tail will grow back but not the same as before. Unfortunately, because they are so readily and inexpensively available, there are still a huge number that suffer inappropriate care, either because of ignorance on the part of the owner, laziness or downright apathy.
WildRescue, Inc of Lewisville, Texas, recently rescued over 1,000 animals such as this Green/Bahama Anole from a raid on US Global Exotics. Find out about adopting by calling Wild Rescue at 940-442-8289.
HOUSING
Tank: One of the most important needs of the anoles is housing space. Anoles are quite territorial creatures; females will get along fine with enough space but never put more than one male with them.
An anole needs at least 10 gallons of aquarium space with a secure mesh top, though bigger and taller is better, especially if you have several lizards together.
Lighting: The aquarium allows sunlight to pass through and, being a cold-blooded creature, the anole depends on external sources of heat for its body heat. However, you don’t want to bake your pet by putting his aquarium in blazing hot direct sunlight, so light from artificial sources will do as well, especially
full spectrum UVA/UVB lighting. Without this the anoles become sluggish and pale.
HABITAT
Foliage: In their natural habitat, Anoles live in low bushes and on the ground beneath, so it’s essential that you provide appropriate foliage. Ideally, live plants such as Sansevierias (snake plants), bromeliads, philodendrons, ivy, orchids and vines can be used. However, artificial plants can also be used and are readily available and easy to care for. Don’t make the mistake that others do by hanging plants from the tank cover.
Temperature: Your anole will require a semi-tropical temperature with a daytime gradient of 75-80F and, preferably, a high basking spot of 85-90F. Night temperatures should not drop below 65F.
Humidity: The ideal humidity level is 60-70%. Live plants will help provide humidity but you should check the humidity level regularly and mist the inside of the tank with purified water when necessary, sometimes twice a day.
Substrate: Peat moss and soil with a little bark is ideal. It should be slightly moist (not wet). This will help with the humidity and is also important for breeding. Once the female is pregnant, she lays an egg in the soil and just leaves it there. This is why it needs moist soil to allow proper heat to incubate the egg until it hatches.
DIET
Food: Feed daily, preferably only enough for consumption. The diet should consist of
gut-loaded small crickets and a variety of mealworms, wax worms, cockroaches, fruit flies and other small insects. Keep in mind that anoles will only eat an insect that is less than half the size of its head. It’s also important to feed any live crickets that are left in the tank or they will start feeding on your anoles. Fish flakes will do quite well.
Water: Anoles will not usually drink from a bowl, so maintaining the humidity level and misting regularly are important to allow the lizards to drink droplets from the leaves.
Anoles that have been bred in captivity generally make better pets than wild-caught lizards as they will be less stressed. Just remember, they still require a commitment to their continual care (they can live 4 – 8 years) and don’t assume they are less expensive than larger, more exotic reptiles. The initial set-up of their habitat will be just as costly. But once your anoles are happily ensconced in their abode, you will be able to enjoy a wonderful slice of tropical landscape in your home.
Other resources:
http://www.anapsid.org/anole.html
“Precisely the least, the softest, lightest, a lizard’s rustling, a breath, a flash, a moment – a little makes the way of the best happiness.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
