Well said Carlton!

It is not a rumor however about the 18 month plus incubation time.

Back in '96 I hatched out two baby parsonii parsonii, orange eye/white lipped variety. The incubation was almost 19 months and that included two diapauses where I lowered the temp for two months each year during the Winter months. Unfortunately, the two babies only lived a few hours and the remaining 40 eggs all had full term embryos that failed to hatch and died. I was devasted and left the hobby shortly thereafter but have secretly regretted it ever since.

After about a 10 year hiatus, I have been bitten by the chameleon bug again and am actively looking for another pair, perhaps trio, of these marvelous chameleons again for another attempt at propagation.

I too hope that some day CITIES will allow, better yet, encourage the limited farm breeding/hatching of this species, so that we can once again obtain healthy and legal specimens.

The current US prices make them too difficult to obtain. I don't think that one needs to have the financial backing to fork out $2000 to $3000 for a single specimen in order to be a good and devoted hobbyist for this species. I agree that the price should never be 'cheap', like it was back in the early 90's, but certainly within reach of the average income, but very devoted, hobbyists. In my very humble opinion, there is no more impressive a chameleon as a big male parsonii. This species size, gentle and docile nature, and of course great coloration make them a truly wonderful species second to none. It is a privilege to care for them.

Just look at this beauty below. This is not my parsonii (wish it were ). I hope that Garret doesn't mind me sharing this pic with you all, but this cham clearly demonstrates just how impressive these guys can be with devoted and diligent care!

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