Rudis Chameleons or Red Rudis?

[anil93]

So I have been keeping for nearly 8 years on and off now. One of my favorite species is the montane species often called "Rudis" chameleons. There is also a subspecies called "Red" Rudis that is more rare and hard to come by with more coloration and variation. I know there identification is truly "Sternfeldi." I have extensively been looking for either species but seem to have no luck. I acquired some back in 2008 at a Reptile Show from a breeder "First Choice Reptiles" which is known for WC imports. I really love this species as they stay small(5-7 inches) and give birth to live young and I had tons of success with them for years when most people didn't. If anyone has pics or info as to how I can get my hands on some of these please feel free to comment!

 

[Chris Anderson]

Tanzania has shut down export of all live animals for the time being. They've done this on and off for the last number of years. No real indication of when this will change, but for the time being, they are very difficult to find. As you indicated, both these forms are imported from Tanzania and sold as varieties of rudis, and they were once regarded as a subspecies of T. rudis, but the typical form you see it T. sternfeldi and the red or jeweled form is actually T. hanangensis, or a closely related form. I discussed their classification a little in this post, if you're interested in specifics: https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/some-nice-pictures.90508/page-47#post-1118839

Chris

 

[anil93]

Thank you so much for the response Chris! That thread was amazing as well as your knowledge on the species. I really hope Tanzania opens up again so we can bring some of these guys in and hopefully get some CB specimens going. I know there not too popular on the market and have

 

[anil93]

Tanzania has shut down export of all live animals for the time being. They've done this on and off for the last number of years. No real indication of when this will change, but for the time being, they are very difficult to find. As you indicated, both these forms are imported from Tanzania and sold as varieties of rudis, and they were once regarded as a subspecies of T. rudis, but the typical form you see it T. sternfeldi and the red or jeweled form is actually T. hanangensis, or a closely related form. I discussed their classification a little in this post, if you're interested in specifics: https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/some-nice-pictures.90508/page-47#post-1118839

Chris

 

[jpowell86]

Thank you so much for the response Chris! That thread was amazing as well as your knowledge on the species. I really hope Tanzania opens up again so we can bring some of these guys in and hopefully get some CB specimens going. I know there not too popular on the market and have

They actually were popular. But, that in itself can be the problem. When a species is heavily imported, it tends to lose it's appeal to the hobby. That and we become spoiled with the abundance of new arrivals. Unfortunately, when this happens, keepers stop working with them or at least stop putting as much emphasis into their breeding. Now, the T. sternfeldi were brought over in descent numbers. The T. hanangenis, I can't say for sure. I know Steve McNary had some coming in from 2014 - 2015. Specific dates and in what quantities I am unsure.

This is for many species, not just sternfeldi. I have a trio of sternfeldi that I picked up last year. They cost me a whopping $60.00 for the trio. That is sad. Same for the multituberculata. They were almost like green anoles in the past years. So many of them were brought in. I think they were selling for $29. But, now that Tanzania is closed, everyone wants them. I have had ridiculous offers for my multis.

This is copied from the IUCN Red List: Using reported T. rudis exports from Tanzania as a proxy for trade levels of T. sternfeldi, between 1977 and 2011 (2012 and 2013 trade data are incomplete or unavailable) a total of 26,012 live individuals were exported from Tanzania for the pet trade (total of all undeclared, captive breeding, personal and commercial exports).

 

[anil93]

They cost me a whopping $60.00 for the trio.

Not bad for a trio. I used to see them at shows back in 08' for like $40 -$50 a pop! I hope all is well with them and you manage to successfully breed them! Post pics!