Because of its abundance, it is heavily exploited by the pet trade.

[4] The graceful chameleon inhabits much of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Angola in the south and Ethiopia in the east.

It mostly lives in forests, though it tolerates bushy areas near plantations and savanna.

[5] The graceful chameleon is diurnal; it hunts for prey during the morning and evening, while it rests in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

[3] The subspecific name, etiennei, is in honor of Belgian physician and entomologist "Dr. Etienne" who assisted the Congo Expedition of the American Museum of Natural History.