Wildlife SOS introduces a series “Things You Didn’t Know About” that explores fascinating and lesser-known facts about various species. Our writers will spotlight one inhabitant of the wild, unveiling its unique characteristics and roles in the ecosystem. In this feature, we turn our gaze to a vibrant and agile reptile often seen darting across sunlit rocks — the agamid lizards.
Imagine strolling through a sunlit garden or a rocky outcrop and catching a glimpse of a lizard with a fiery red head and a shimmering blue body. Sounds like a scene from a fantasy novel, doesn’t it? But this is exactly what an agamid lizard looks like.
Agamid lizards belong to the Class Reptilia, Order Squamata, and Suborder Lacertilia, and are part of the Family Agamidae. This classification becomes even more meaningful when we look at their evolutionary tree below, which places them as close relatives of iguanas and chameleons, with whom they share several striking physical and behavioural traits.
- Evolutionary classification of agamids [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Aditya Mitra]
These lizards are indeed nature’s own playful presentation of colours on the move! One may argue that chameleons steal the show with their colour-changing tactics, but agamids are just as fascinating because of their dramatic, superhero-like displays, their societal organisation, and their remarkable adaptability.
- Peninsular rock agama is endemic to rocky regions of Peninsular India and can blend beautifully within its rocky or leafy surroundings. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Hemanta Bijoy Chakma]
India is home to a fascinating variety of agamid lizards. As many as 48 different species of agamid lizards exist across the country, and are highly concentrated in India’s evergreen forest regions. The Himalayan foothills and northeastern hill ranges together host around 15 species, with 13 species found across the northeast states. The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, are home to about 14 species. Let’s explore the fascinating world of these agamid lizards with some interesting trivia!
- The Oriental garden lizard remains patient yet alert for its next prey. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Hemanta Bijoy Chakma]
1. They Can Change Colour to Communicate
Did you know agamids are gifted with the ability to change their colour based on their mood, surroundings, or breeding season? Unlike a chameleon, this change of colour is more gradual and localised and not sudden and rapid. It is through this colour variation that they are able to communicate with other fellow agamids, find a mate, or even escape predators. Males, particularly when breeding, tend to wear brighter colours, like blues, reds, or greens, to attract females and signal dominance. Males of the the Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor) change their head and neck colour to a deep blood red during mating season.
- Reptiles like the Oriental garden lizard are usually most active when the sun is out, perfect for a bit of basking. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Akash Dolas]
2. They Live in Diverse Habitats Across India
Agamid lizards can be found in a variety of habitats spanning across India. Some of the species can be found in lush forests and some in arid deserts, and any rocky terrain is suitable for them as well. In the southern parts of India where wild habitats are now declining, the Peninsular rock agama, also known as the Indian agama, are adapting to urban and suburban areas.
- Agamids are surprisingly adaptable — you might spot them in gardens, walls, or city parks. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Hemanta Bijoy Chakma]
3. They Help Control Insect Populations
When it comes to their diet, agamids are omnivorous, which means they can readily feed upon insects, small invertebrates and even fruits. They play a major role in controlling the pest population as they feed on insects. Their keen vision supports them in finding prey, and as a result, they also maintain a steady balance in the ecosystem by keeping the insect population in check.
- Male Indian agamas change their colour bands to bright orange when they experience stress or display competitive behaviour with other males during the mating season. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Hemanta Bijoy Chakma]
4. They Reproduce During the Monsoon
Though this is dependent on the location they are found in, most agamid lizards reproduce during or right after the wet season. The dominant male mates with the female after initiating a brief head-bobbing display. The female lays 5-7 eggs in a shallow hole, covering them with vegetation for protection. After 8-10 weeks, the eggs hatch, and the young are left to fend for themselves. They begin eating plants and insects right away. Males reach sexual maturity at 2 years, while females mature at 14-18 months. Many become prey before reaching adulthood, but those that survive can live up to 25 years.
- With head bobs and quick dashes, agamids display behaviour that is as astounding as their physical appearance. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Hemanta Bijoy Chakma]
5. They Are Facing Habitat Loss
About one-third of the 48 species of agamids found in India are currently classified as Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable according to the IUCN. Data for the rest remains minimal due to a lack of studies or because the species population is at a lower risk. Deforestation, urbanisation, and climate change have led to the loss of suitable environments where species of agamid lizards reside, pushing them to adapt closer to where human activities are taking place. Conservation efforts, including habitat preservation and awareness programmes, are crucial to ensuring that, along with keystone species, these fascinating lizards continue to thrive in their natural habitats. However, the decline in the peninsular rock agama’s natural habitat has restricted its population primarily to the rocky outskirts of Bengaluru. These agamids have also been reported from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Chhattisgarh.
- Urban expansion often pushes these reptiles out of their natural environment and closer to concrete surroundings. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Akash Dolas]
The agamid lizard stands out as a dynamic and resilient reptile, captivating observers with its vivid colours, social structures, and adaptability. Whether basking on a sunlit rock or darting across urban landscapes, agamids exemplify the remarkable diversity and complexity of reptilian life. By understanding and appreciating these creatures, we not only enrich our knowledge of biodiversity but also recognise the importance of conserving the delicate ecosystems they inhabit. Organisations like Wildlife SOS are working actively to restore such habitats, like the rocky landscapes of Ramdurga Valley, which was once arid and is now flourishing with native flora and fauna, including species like the agamid lizards. So, the next time you spot a flash of colour on a wall or rock, take a moment to observe; it might be an agamid lizard being its spectacular self!
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Feature image: Akash Dolas / Wildlife SOS