Mali agama
A species of Rüppell’s agama Scientific name : Agama boueti Genus : Rüppell’s agama
Mali agama, A species of Rüppell’s agama
Scientific name: Agama boueti
Genus: Rüppell’s agama
Content
Description General Info
Photo By jujurenoult , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Mali agama is a fascinating lizard species characterized by its diurnal habits and an interesting thermoregulation behaviour. They bask on rocks and tree trunks during the day to regulate body temperature. Highly territorial, males display a vibrantly coloured throat in dominance rituals, enhancing its complex social dynamics. Preferring rocky and arid habitats, this reptile demonstrates great adaptability contributing to its ecological resilience.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Mali agama predominantly feeds on insects such as beetles, termites, and caterpillars. This species also exhibits an opportunistic feeding behavior, occasionally consuming plant material when insect prey is scarce.
Appearance
Mali agama is a moderately-sized lizard with a lean, angular body. It has dully textured skin, primarily gray in color, with jagged black stripes stretching down its length. Male mali agama display patches of bright blue on their throats and bellies during breeding seasons. It has long limbs, a pointed snout, a vertically flattened tail, and conspicuous round eyes. Its size and color may vary slightly with age and gender, younger mali agama typically being lighter and females smaller than males.
Behavior
Mali agama is essentially a solitary diurnal reptile, known for its astounding ability to rapidly change color reflecting its mood, temperature, and health status. It's territorial, with males fiercely defending their areas. Notably, they exhibit unique head-bobbing displays during threat scenarios and courtship rituals, highlighting complex social dynamics.
Population
Stable
Photo By jujurenoult , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dragons Genus
Rüppell’s agama Species
Mali agama