Maybe this YihQ enzyme is why veiled chameleons eat vegetation?

[kinyonga]

https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2016/research/spinach-sulphur-sugars/
"Every time we eat leafy green vegetables we consume significant amounts of SQ sugars, which are used as an energy source by good gut bacteria,” he said.
“Bacteria in the gut, such as crucial protective strains of E. coli, use SQ as a source of energy. E. coli provides a protective barrier that prevents growth and colonisation by bad bacteria, because the good bugs are taking up all the habitable real estate,” Dr Goddard-Borger said.

 

[MissSkittles]

Interesting idea, but wouldn’t all of the other chameleon species also eat leaves?
The unique thing that separates veiled’s from most other chameleon species is their super short life cycle based on the dry season. Is it a way to speed up their growth or reproduction? Perhaps their is some nutrient in their native flora that they need or provides additional nutritional benefits. Is it a strategy to survive longer when the dry season hits? I’ve never found undigested leaf matter in my chams poos, so they are somehow processing it.

 

[jamest0o0]

Gotta check this out when I have a minute

 

[kinyonga]

You said..."Interesting idea, but wouldn’t all of the other chameleon species also eat leaves?"....that thought crossed my mind but I was wondering if the habitat of other chameleons would make it necessary or not. I just found this out so I need more time to study it. I've been looking for a long time to see if there were reasons other than aiding in passing hard to digest food through the chameleons stomach...and I don't even know yet if this could be a reason for eating the leaves, etc or not. It just seems odd that they have such a willingness to eat fruits, veggies and greens in captivity even when they are t fed the insects that are said to need help passing through their system. (Not saying that isn't one reason for doing it?)

You said..."The unique thing that separates veiled’s from most other chameleon species is their super short life cycle based on the dry season. Is it a way to speed up their growth or reproduction? Perhaps their is some nutrient in their native flora that they need or provides additional nutritional benefits. Is it a strategy to survive longer when the dry season hits? I’ve never found undigested leaf matter in my chams poos, so they are somehow processing it."... Good questions...I have no idea yet!

 

[kinyonga]

Gotta check this out when I have a minute

If you find anything out, let me know!