A vibrant and highly adaptable lizard found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. It’s especially common in open savannas, rocky areas, dry woodlands, and even urban environments, where it can often be seen basking on walls, rooftops, or sunny rocks. What makes the ground agama stand out is not just its bold coloration but also its dramatic behavior, speed, and ability to live close to humans.
Adult males are unmistakable when displaying—they sport a bright orange or red head, a deep blue to purplish body, and a long tail. These colors are most intense during the breeding season or when the lizard is asserting dominance. Outside of this time, or when at rest, the colors can become much duller, helping the lizard blend into its surroundings. Females and non-dominant males are more uniformly brown or grayish with less vivid markings, which helps them stay camouflaged from predators.
Ground agamas are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, especially during warm, sunny hours. They are terrestrial but excellent climbers, often seen basking in exposed places to regulate their body temperature. When disturbed, they dart away with incredible speed, often dashing to the nearest crevice, wall, or rock for cover. They are insectivorous, feeding on a variety of ants, beetles, termites, grasshoppers, and other small invertebrates, which they stalk and catch with quick, flicking movements.
Socially, ground agamas live in small groups with a dominant male controlling a territory that includes several females and subdominant males. The dominant male is responsible for defending the area and is usually the one showing the most vivid coloration. During mating season, he performs head-bobbing displays, push-ups, and tail flicks to attract females and ward off rivals. These displays are often seen in urban settings, where they add a splash of color to everyday scenery.
Distribution
Angola
Botswana
Eswatini
Lesotho
Mozambique
Namibia
South AfricaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
