Etosha agama

Introduction: The Etosha agama (Agama etoshae) is endemic not only to Namibia, but as the name suggests specifically to Etosha National Park. It is a small lizard with a small head, a rounded snout and the tail is longer than the head and body in males, but shorter in females. They are active in the morning and evening in the summer, escaping the mid-afternoon heat by going underground. At night they will shelter in a hole dug at the base of a shrub. They are a solitary creature, but can be found in pairs or in groups that habit widespread burrow networks. They are a difficult and shy species.

Distribution: Etosha National Park extending to Ovamboland and west to Kaokoland.

Diet: Termites and beetles are foraged in flat, sandy regions.

Colouring: A pale yellowish to rust red body with a cream belly.

Breeding: Large clutches of eggs are laid in nesting sites dug in the ground.

Size: SVL 60 to 70mm. Max SVL 75mm.