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Agama Facts

Agama Facts
Agama is a type of lizard. There are more than 60 species of agama that are native to Africa, Europe and Asia. Agamas are the most dominant type of lizards in Africa. They are very flexible animals that can easily adapt to the changes in their environment. In the past, agamas were living in the forests of Africa. When forests began to disappear, agama managed to adapt to a life in open spaces. Most species of agama live in mountains, rocky steppes and arid areas. Certain species of agama have adapted to the life in both rural and urban areas. Some people keep agamas as pets because of the beautiful coloration of their body. Agamas are not listed as endangered animals.
Interesting Agama Facts:
Agama can reach 15.7 inches in length.
Head, neck and thighs of agamas are covered with scales.
Agamas live in groups that are composed of one dominant male, couple subordinate males and large number of females.
Dominance in the group is accomplished through fights. Dominant male is called "cock". This male enjoys certain privileges: he mates with females and gets the best place for rest.
Color of the agama's body depends on its gender and its position within the group. All females are green or brown. Subordinate males have a body that is brown, gray, red, blue, or yellow in color. Dominant male is brightly colored. It has blue body with red (or yellow) head.
Because of the impressive coloration of the body of the dominant male, these lizards are sometimes called "rainbow lizards".
Agama primarily feeds on insects. It lays motionless and waits for the insects to appear. It catches the insects by using its long and sticky tongue. Agama usually eats ants, crickets, caterpillars, worms and spiders.
People enjoy having agamas in their neighborhood because they eliminate all the pests from their houses and yards.
Agama also eats seeds, berries, fruits and eggs of other lizards and birds.
Agama has well developed sense of vision, which is used both for hunting of the prey and for avoiding the predators.
Main predators of agamas are snakes.
Mating season depends on the weather. It takes place after rainy season that will lead to increase in the insect population. Increased amount of available food is essential for females to become ready to lay eggs.
Female releases between 2 and 20 eggs from June to September. She digs 2-inches deep hole in the moist and sandy ground where eggs will be hidden until the time of hatching.
Depending on the species, eggs will hatch after incubation period that lasts between 1.5 and 4.5 months.
Agama can survive for a long period of time in the wild. Average lifespan of agama is between 25 and 28 years.


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