Namibian rock agama

Introduction: Namibian rock agamas (Agama planiceps) live in small groups of around 10 on rock outcrops associated with boulder-strewn hills. They are very active making it difficult to approach. They are large, but graceful lizards that have a small head with a pointed snout. The body is flattened supported by long limbs and toes and the tail is longer than the head and body combined. Predators include rock kestrels and hornbills.

Distribution: Damaraland and Kaokoland in the north-west of Namibia.

Diet: Insects and beetles as well as seeds and leaves.

Colouring: Blue-purple back with an orange-red head, neck and throat. The tail is olive-yellow at the base, which changes to olive-red at the tip.

Breeding: Females lay small clutches of between 5 to 10 eggs, laid in soil beneath a slab of rock or in the cracks and crevices of rocks.

Size: SVL 80 to 100mm. Max SVL 112mm.