Illegal chameleons may lurk on Maui
By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
State wildlife officials yesterday said they feared a new species of chameleon found on Maui last month may have become established in the state and could devour native birds and insects.
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser
Two adult veiled chameleons, a male and a female, were turned in March 27 to the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife by a Makawao resident. On the same day, a Wailuku resident turned in a poison dart frog, the first such animal to be actually found on Maui after several years of reported sightings.
This pair of veiled chameleons — a male and female — were turned in by a Makawao resident. A dead veiled chameleon found in the wild last week has officials concerned for Maui's ecology.
The chameleons are not native to the islands, have no natural predators here and because of their large size and ability to tolerate living in regions from low, dry to very wet mountain areas, could potentially prey upon native birds and insects in many of Hawai'i forests.
Veiled chameleons can grow up to about 18 to 24 inches long. State law prohibits importing or transporting within the state chameleons, lizards or snakes. Last week, a dead veiled chameleon found in a rural area of west Maui was turned in to DLNR.
The poison dart frog is the first to be established on another island besides O'ahu. It has been established on O'ahu since 1932 when it was released to control mosquitoes. Adults may reach 2 inches in length. They come out during the daytime, and are found mainly in Manoa and a few windward valleys. Due to their limited range, they are not considered a threat at present to native wildlife on O'ahu.
Persons possessing illegal animals, such as reptiles and snakes, are subject to penalties, including fines of up to $200,000 and up to three years in jail. Illegal pets can be turned in under the Department of Agriculture's amnesty program, which provides immunity from prosecution.
