What I learned in Madagascar

·29 min·2 clips

Bill Strand reports live from the forests of Madagascar, sharing what he learned about chameleons in their native habitat.

Bill Strand opens Season 8 of the Chameleon Academy Podcast by broadcasting from Andasi Bay, Madagascar, where he spent two weeks exploring chameleon habitats. He traveled with a group including YouTubers like Dion from Reptiliatis and Dave Kaufman, as well as herp vet Alec Brown and guide Patrick Andriyamihadja. The trip covered regions such as Ranamafana Rainforest and Palmerium, with chameleons often found along roadways rather than just in national parks. Strand highlights the high humidity in Ranamafana, noting it felt vibrant rather than oppressive, which he aims to replicate in captivity. He observed chameleons sleeping on thin branches but not dropping when disturbed, leading him to question common keeper beliefs. Strand also saw small chameleons like Columa tiazmantoi high in trees, suggesting they may benefit from larger enclosures. He discusses Madagascar's rainy season, characterized by sunshine with sudden rain bursts, and notes the dry season is colder than the wet season. A major focus is Strand's observation of a female panther chameleon digging a three-inch-deep egg-laying hole on a forest trail, which she returned to after being disturbed. This confirms shallow nesting depths and informs captive laying bin designs. Strand proposes experimenting with layered soil in bins but emphasizes rigorous testing before community adoption. He outlines a process involving side-by-side trials, peer review, and gradual rollout to ensure reliable information. Strand encourages listeners to visit Madagascar, recommending guide Patrick and hinting at a potential group trip. He frames the episode around personal growth, acknowledging his reliance on experts like Mark Schertz while expanding his field experience. The season's theme is growth, with outreach including biweekly podcasts, YouTube videos, live sessions, and a Patreon for deeper discussions.

As heard by us

A Madagascar field report that turns rare chameleon sightings into careful, practical husbandry questions.

Bill Strand opens Season 8 in Madagascar, turning two weeks in highland and lowland forests into a grounded lesson in chameleon care. The episode is best when it lets field conditions shape the husbandry questions: humid nights, moving air, and the keeper's challenge of raising…

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You get a forest-side Madagascar dispatch, with wild chameleon moments that turn into practical questions about humidity and airflow.

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