54um
- this was the highest reading obtained and was taken in the open
and above the trees.
30um
- the reading on the top of the small tree in the foreground was
noticably lower then the highest reading obtainable. It can be
assumed because the reading was taken on the top of the tree some
UVB was absorbed by the leaves and therefore this drop was caused
by the reduction in reflected UVB as apposed to reduction in direct
UVB.
18um
- this reading was taken at the edge of the gap in the tree. A
site the Panther Chameleons which are allowed to sun themselves
in the garden (supervised obviously) seem to prefer. This area
provides dappled light and suitable branches for perching. Only
a third of UVB reaches this area.
10um
- in the shade under the tree in the foreground little UVB penetrates.
22um
- this is another area favoured by the chameleons but mainly on
a hot day. The site where the measurement was taken was right
at the front of the bush on a branch previously used by Panthers.
Even
though this spot receives direct sunlight the surrounding leaves
absorb significant levels of UVB.
13um
- this area was expected to produce good levels of UVB because
of the reflective properties of rock and gravel. In testing however
this area produced the second lowest reading. The surrounding
foliage clearly absorbs significant levels of UVB before it even
reaches this area.
Intrestingly
in a small area to the side of the house which is surrounded by
light concrete walls with a light stone patio area the levels
of UVB recorded there were in excess of 130um. Clearly reflected
light can significantly increase UVB exposure.
Suggested
Conclusions
Significant
levels of UVB are absorbed by live plants
In
testing live plants absorbed more UVB than artificial plants
Plant
colour (light or dark green) did not seem to make much difference
to the levels of UVB absorbed
When
setting up a basking spot/area of UV exposure in a captive situation,
excess artificial and real plants should be avoided
If
a chameleon is too nervous to bask in the open and therefore requires
a more heavily planted enclosure (often needed in wild caught
individuals) consideration should be given to increase the amount
of UV light produced. Doubling up on UV tubes would seem appropriate
as a miniumum measure.
Colour
and material of surroundings make a huge difference to the levels
of UVB. White plastic vivariums gave much more UVB exposure than
for example dark wood vivariums. We are currently testing levels
of UVB produced from common reptile lights, the UVB at various
distances from the bulb and the effects vivarium materials have
on the resultant UVB. Click HERE
for our latest findings.
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