This article provides general observations of habitats where Jackson's chameleons dwell on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. I do not impart specific details on the exact locations where Jacksoni can be found. Collectors with an understanding of life in the field will find enough information to help you (should you decide to visit and collect samples of Jacksoni for your private collection).

It has been nearly 30 years since the Jackson's chameleon were first released into the hills of the Ko'olau. During this time, I have been fortunate to gain knowledge of the animal and its characteristics in nature, and to learn about the biome which supports the Jackson's chameleon's life style. Through this, I have gained a greater appreciation for the natural sciences of the earth and an even greater appreciation for natural life as it occurs in Hawaii. The past two decades have seen dramatic changes in both the popularity of Jackson's chameleons as a "pet trade item" and the populations of Jackson's chameleons that have established themselves throughout Hawaii. I am constantly mindful of what I have seen, and accept the fact that it is within human nature to:

1. Be self-serving and/or greedy.
2. Haul animals out by the droves.
3. Ruin habitat for other wildlife.
4. Sell animals to the uneducated, thereby causing the death of the animals.
5. Break the law.

It would be simplistic to explain that Hawaii is a "tropical paradise" which provides all the requirements to sustain the Jackson's lifestyle. But if one truly wants to learn why or where Jackson's chameleons have managed to establish themselves, success comes with understanding the precursors of Hawaiiana from an ecological perspective.

The basin areas are generally more accessible for collecting Jackson's chameleons, regardless of the valley (i.e. Kaneohe/Kailua, Kahaluu, Nuuanu, Tantalus, Kalihi, Palolo, Moanalua, Aiea, and the Leeward areas etc.). During the mid - late 1980's, basin animals were very robust and plentiful. This was, in part, due to seeding efforts by local herpers and black market entrepreneurs in the late 1970's to early 1980's, and more importantly, a demand for jacksonii, which had not yet peaked.

While early generations of jacksonii populations became established and colonized many new basin habitats, changes in topography and the demand for Jacksoni over the years, have impeded their genetic diversity. Residential development, construction to prevent rockslides, completion of the H2 and H3 freeway, clearing of fauna by municipal govt., and leptospirosis in certain natural streams, were some of the significant changes, which adversely affected the food sources for jacksonii in a number of habitat areas.

In addition to changes in the topography, competition with other species that were affected and/or displaced with jacksonii further complicated the original niche of the ecosystem. During the early 1990's, it was easy to find jacksonii in numerous basin areas (in part, due to their displacement) and it fashioned the perception that there was an over abundance of jacksonii.

As perception of the over abundance circulated, some of the most vocal chameleon enthusiasts on the Internet were raising issue with the impact that jacksonii were having on the environment. This erroneous perception only supported the increasing demand for Jackson's chameleons during the 1990's and encouraged a new breed of entrepreneur whose only "cause" was to meet market demand. The sight of off-road vehicles tearing up the street with fog lights and stereos blasting, shining small craft spotlights up into the trees, seemed to become commonplace in many areas.

The result of these changes has affected the genetic diversity of lower basin jacksonii, and legitimate reductions are reported in a number of Oahu's basin areas. In addition, smaller pockets of "young populations" seem more frequent as opposed to mature populations in well-established areas. This is reminiscent of early-seeding years when local herpers began introducing jacksonii to other areas of the island. This is also true of some of the outer island populations which are Òless matureÓ and which were founded by a very small breeding population which lacked genetic diversity. These young populations need time to increase their genetic variability and adapt to the different environmental schemes that have been forced into their ecosystem.

There are noticeable differences between young jacksonii populations compared to those found in more mature-established areas (indicative of the upper rainforest). Jacksoni from young populations tend to display weaker physical characteristics (e.g. poor horn/skeletal development, narrower helmet crests, slighter built limbs and muscularity, and gaunt hip development).

With the recent advent of the DLNR's export curtailment, populations of jacksonii found in lower basin areas will receive a reprieve. However, considering the disturbances imposed upon the ecosystem, the rate of population increase may not be as prolific as it once was over a decade ago in the 1980s. The DLNR's decision to eliminate further introduction of illegal species to Hawaii by prohibiting export of established animals raises some degree of uncertainty. Discouraging legitimate avenues of revenue instead of supporting a viable industry may actually perpetuate black market activity in an already confused market.

While reports of fewer jacksonii are substantiated in a number of basin areas, many of Oahu's other basins still support liberal populations. I can't begin to count the number of times I have been asked to share specific locations where jacksonii can be found. Hence, in this section, a brief narrative will aid in your quest to find jacksonii on the island of Oahu.

If one considers the process of life as it occurs in nature, and understands the basic principles of food and shelter as requisites for all life forms, prudent thought will lead to finding jacksonii during any given period in a calendar year.

Unlike some previous observations of Jackson's chameleons which suggest that they normally remain within the same tree/shrub, etc., observations in Hawaii indicate that they actually maintain a "home range" amidst flora which support their diverse behavioral requirements. In many areas of the Hawaiian habitat (regardless of rainforest or basin), a single tree does not provide enough diversity to meet the needs of a Jackson's chameleon's lifestyle. During the course of a year, and depending upon the location, Jacksoni often maintain patterns of "range dwelling" (for the lack of a better term), relocating from one tree/area to another, and then back again etc. This range dwelling appears to be influenced by such factors as the quality or density in the habitat, immediacy of the food source, reproduction habits, and weather conditions.

For example, during certain times of the year, when various species of insects such as the katydids are plentiful, it is not uncommon to observe jacksonii residing in structures that are closer to the biome floor. Vine-like flora such as Koali 'awa (morning glory)", aka 'awa, or thick-stemmed plants which grow out from the sides of trees, such as large monsteras, are a few examples of flora that grow near these areas.

During periods of inclement weather, such as a heavy rainstorm, nighttime observations of adult jacksonii find them sleeping deep in dense foliage. Yet, on warm, muggy evenings, when humidity is trapped within the valley, they tend to migrate to more "spatial and leafy" flora, and are often found higher up in the tree, closer to the night air.

It is not uncommon for male jacksonii to leave their immediate flora habitat in favor of breeding with a female sighted in another area. Upon completion of copulation, the male may stake claim to the habitat, defending his territory against other rogue jacksonii. Should the incumbent lose during ritual battles of horn locking, the male often returns to the initial flora habitat from which he came.

In many instances, it is the female jacksonii that actually leave the habitat upon completion of copulation. Observations of pregnant females (ready to drop) find them frequently favoring flora structures that are dense and weedy (Lantana, Kiawe, and various creepers which extend from branches of large trees). In general, the warmer months of Oahu tend to produce the largest brood sizes and females tend to gravitate towards lower levels of the arboreal habitat to give birth. Following parturition, the female jacksonii will then migrate back to the higher levels in the flora structure.

Neonates and young juveniles are often found in areas much similar to that of pregnant females. These young tend to remain in lower structures due to proximity of food, as well as protection from predation by larger species (including other jacksonii). When deciduous fruit trees are abundant, the young jacksonii can often be observed in flora surrounding the perimeter of a tree, feeding on insects that are attracted by fruit-fallings on the forest floor. Nocturnal observations also find young jacksonii favoring dense overgrowth (i.e. Lilikoi, Koa Haole) around the perimeter of the main stem where much larger species dwell.

As the young jacksonii mature, they may migrate to habitats that are not as dense in flora, but provide enough plant life to afford vantage points to feed upon their prey. For example, in some areas of Oahu's topography, valley walls gently slope to form cul-de-sacs, where small trees grow on the sides of the mountain. Young Jacksoni favor these areas as they overlook vegetation in the cul-de-sac floor, permitting accessibility to food and water and shelter away from much larger species in their bionetwork.

Closing Thoughts
As chameleon enthusiasts, we have learned to embrace the science of chameleon husbandry, largely due to the unselfish work of many individuals. Scientific investigation, naturalistic observation, creative husbandry practices, and even failures, have all contributed to the growing body of knowledge necessary for successful care of captive chameleons. Thoughts into a chameleon's propensity for "wanderlust" seem to support the observations of range dwelling, in which jacksonii seek out new areas to support their biological needs (food, shelter, or propagation).

I recognize that the brief narrative of range dwelling "might" increase the animal's susceptibility to human exploitation. But to the more seasoned Jackson's chameleon collectors in Hawaii, I propose that the years of exploitation we have already seen should encourage us to help educate others and establish principles for the collection of animals from the field.

Responsible field management is a global problem. To continue to guard our "understanding" of the Jacksoni in Hawaii is akin to holding back the wealth of knowledge which we have already accumulated. It has been my privilege to help disseminate some of this knowledge and I thank you for the opportunity.

Field considerations:

1. Acquire the DLNR permit and check with authorities for proper transport.
2. Safety first. Stay on the trail if you are unfamiliar with the area.
3. Leave hapai (pregnant) females in the field.
4. Leave keiki (young) neonates and sub-adult animals or anything under 3 inches svl
5. Chameleons have scales, but they don't have gills and fins — what's with the net?
6. Paul Bunyon was a big guy — that doesn't mean you have to chop down the tree.
7. Remember Smokey the Bear? Take your butts, bottles, and garbage somewhere else.
8. Keep the market clean.

Best Wishes and Aloha,
James M. Ko (JP)
Precipitation Table