Climate in Madagascar vs South Africa

[Biffa]

So I've been doing some research into the climate in Madagascar, where a Panther Chameleon comes from.

Apparently the highest average temperature is between 26 - 29 degree's C. The lowest average temperature is 10 degree's C and sometimes a bit lower.

They have the same summer months as South Africa (where I live), and the temperatures are pretty much EXACTLY the same... It actually reaches about 35+ degree's here in Johannesburg on a hot summers day.

I have my Chameleon outdoors at the moment, he seems to be doing really well. I mist him every day, as one does.

So, if I'm thinking about this logically, I don't actually have to do much apart from the calcium/vitamin supplements in his feeding and making sure he gets enough UVB and warmth.

This is good news.

Any thoughts? Or advice? I don't want to do anything wrong, obviously.

Thanks!

 

[Solid Snake]

So, if I'm thinking about this logically, I don't actually have to do much apart from the calcium/vitamin supplements in his feeding and making sure he gets enough UVB and warmth.

That is the goal with chameleons yes
While I have not looked at the weather patterns in Madagascar, it is my understanding that it varies greatly from east to west especially. Dont let him get colder than 50F and if its hot outside make sure he has shade and water.

 

[Deb]

Biffa keep in mind that Johannesburg has a huge daily temperature range. You know how in winter it can be just above freezing at night, and then heat up to 25C in the sun, but remain 10C just a step away in the shade. I would guess that Madagascar's temperature range is not quite as high as Johannesburg's, because the water surrounding the island will likely keep the temps within a milder daily range. So compare diurnal as well as nocturnal ranges through the year, especially for the winter months.

Also, I would think that Madagascar experiences a lot more wind, more frequent cloud cover, and more days with rain. Johannesburg definitely has some of the best weather in the world and the lack of wind and sparse cloudy days, especially in winter, are probably quite different to Madagascar.

Another point to consider is humidity. Madagascar is surrounded by water, whereas Johannesburg is one of the only major cities in the world that is not built on a permanent water source. That highveld weather is very dry, and I imagine it is a lot more humid in Madagascar. High summer temperatures in combination with the dry weather can make for searing heat in Joburg.

A high pressure dominates over the highveld, particularly in winter, whereas Madagascar is frequently hit by swirling low pressure storms. It is currently cyclone season and I know Mozambique and even Swaziland have experienced torrential downpours resulting from cyclones recently: I guess Madagascar has too, being a bit of a 'buffer' island for the Moz Channel. I don't think Joburg has had a cyclone in living memory.