Archaius, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2025 

     Submitted 20.12.2024 

 Published 15.02.2025     

Chameleons in the Garden

You would think the hardest thing about observing chameleons in the wild is finding them, when in fact the hardest thing is getting attached to seeing them day after day and then one day they are gone, either because they moved on or they died. They are endearing creatures that if you look closely you will see what makes each animal an individual. The males are easiest to identify because their horns are slightly different. The females can change their looks and it is not as easy to tell who is who except if they have a unique feature. They do have a preferred branch and it's the first place we look. The babies are impossible to tell apart and they don't stick around in a group and quickly disperse.

We have a large avocado tree that is a good place to spot chameleons and yet we do not always see them. No matter how hard you look, you will not see a chameleon. Either they go somewhere else or they are hiding. There is usually one male and a harem in this tree. The females can tolerate each other and in fact sometimes they are in close proximity to each other while the alpha male is so territorial, he claims the whole tree. If an intruder male comes along to challenge him, eventually there is a show down. It can be brutal or just a beauty contest and the loser just knows he lost, surrenders and moves on.

The male is usually the easiest to spot. He is almost always wearing his best suit, just in case other chameleons might see him, he wants to look his best. Sometimes he will catch a glimpse of himself in the window of our house and display as if it is a rival male. He doesn't recognize himself! He will puff out his chest and sometimes the gular as well and his tail sticks straight out and curls and uncurl right at the end.

If a female is patterned it can mean the male is nearby and has his eye on her. Even if she is receptive to him, she shows her pattern and then if he is lucky, her green color will be almost as bright as his. Most males can take a hint and are quite gentlemanly about courting. After mating the gestation is about 7 months. The females are baby making machines, producing offspring for the duration of their lives Towards the end it can be a hardship and can affect her health. In good conditions a chameleon can live about 7 years, give or take. There are variables such as predation or deficiencies, drought or just getting old and it's their time.

We have been able to know some of them personally and they know that we are not predators. We feel very fortunate to be able to observe the Jackson's, while they are being Jackson's, doing what Jackson's do.

Epilogue by Petr Nečas 

Once upon a time, in ages past,

   Long before the memories began to fade,

   Young souls with radiant dreams did cast

   Their steps upon Hawaii's verdant glade.

In this paradise, where the sea's whispers play,

   A fortress of love, a sanctuary of heart,

   They wove a tapestry in nature's sway,

   Crafting a world where creation could start.

Each dawn, with the sun's golden embrace,

   They rose to behold the jungle's lush breath,

   Where wonder and magic intertwined in grace,

   And life's vibrant cycle defied even death.

Three-horned marvels, like spirits set free,

   Were born from the dreams of the earth and the sky,

   In struggles and joys, they thrived joyfully,

   While under the watchful gaze of the stars up high.

With patience, they gathered the tales of the wild,

   In humility, laughter, and curious eyes,

   Each moment a treasure, each creature a child,

   They shared their impressions as time softly flies.

Through whispers of wisdom, the globe they would touch,

   With messages threaded in pixels and ink,

   Photographs captured, stories woven so much,

   Inspiring generations to rise and to think.

Their legacy dances like shadows in light,

   In every heartbeat of nature's grand lore,

   For in love's gentle name, their spirits ignite,

   Mary and Matt Lovein, forever explored.

Oh, the heritage blooms in the holy embrace,

   Of a place where love stands resolute and true,

   An eternal reminder, a sacred space,

   Where the art of creation forever renews.

Literature

Lovein, M. (2007). Chameleons in the Garden. Lovein Publishing. 112pp.