The fascinating world of agama, the reclusive lizard
Walking in the high mountains or lush tropical forests, often a splash of bright colour or a sudden movement catches the eye, and more often than not, it turns out to be an agama, quietly basking in its surrounding, still as a statue or scurrying across to safety at great speed, scared out of its reverie by an intruder. The diverse world of reptiles is often overshadowed by fear and misunderstanding, yet it holds creatures that are crucial to the delicate balance of our ecosystem. Among these are the agamas — a family of small to medium-sized lizards belonging to the family agamidae, widespread in Asia, Africa and Australia.
Known for their sturdy build, powerful legs and a range of vibrant colours, they are highly adaptable creatures, occupying a wide range of habitats from deserts and mountains to rainforests, and often close to human settlements as well. Despite being cold-blooded or ectothermic like most reptiles, unable to regulate their body temperature internally and relying on external sources of heat, they can survive at an elevation up to 5,000m.
Agile hunters of insects and other small invertebrates like ants, termites and beetles, they play an important role in controlling their populations in the ecosystem. Some species that consume plants and fruits also play an important role in seed dispersal.
India is home to a fascinating variety of agamid species, each uniquely adapted to the country’s diverse climates and landscapes. Some well-known species include the Himalayan Rock Agama (paralaudakia Himalayana), Peninsular Rock Agama (psammophilus dorsalis), Fan-throated Lizard (Sitana ponticeriana) and the commonly seen Oriental Garden Lizard (calotes versicolor), each with their own unique appearance and ecological role.
Agamas possess a fascinating array of physical and behavioural adaptations that make them unique. One of the most captivating aspects of these lizards is their ability to change colour, especially in response to different environmental and social stimuli.
The Oriental Garden Lizard, for example, displays a striking red colouration during the breeding season, with dominant males often showing off this brilliant hue to attract mates or warn rivals while the Fan-throated Lizard does the same with a thin flap of skin called a gular appendage between its throat and abdomen. This colour-changing ability is not only visually remarkable but also serves as a form of communication within the species. At the same time, they are masters of camouflage as well, blending seamlessly into their surroundings.
Despite their ecological value, agamas face a number of threats that jeopardise their population and the larger ecosystems they support. Habitat loss is a major issue, as urbanisation, deforestation and agricultural expansion encroach upon the natural habitats where they thrive.
Many species such as the Peninsular Rock Agama rely on specific rocky or arid environments that are increasingly being destroyed or fragmented by human activities. As natural habitats shrink, agamas are forced into smaller, fragmented areas, which can lead to decreased genetic diversity and increased vulnerability to environmental changes.
Climate change further exacerbates these threats by disrupting the delicate environmental cues that guide agamas’ breeding, feeding and hibernation patterns. Rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns and the increasingly erratic availability of food can place tremendous stress on these small lizards, leaving them vulnerable to population decline.
Another significant threat is human hostility rooted in misunderstanding. Lizards, in general, have long suffered from an undeserved negative image in popular culture, with many people associating them with danger or disease. Agamas are no exception, often viewed with fear or disgust, and people go to great lengths to remove them from homes, gardens and public spaces.
In reality, agamas are shy, reclusive creatures that avoid human contact, making them unlikely to harm anyone. The simple act of allowing agamas to coexist peacefully actually offers effective pest control in our surroundings without the need for harmful pesticides or insecticides.
Promoting a greater appreciation for agamas and reptiles, in general, is essential, not only for their preservation, but also for the overall health of ecosystem. Educational initiatives that raise awareness about their harmlessness to humans and importance in the ecosystem can go a long way in dispelling misconceptions. Simple actions — such as letting agamas coexist in gardens and parks within cities — can allow them to continue their ecological functions while enthralling us with their vibrant social behaviours. Agamas remind us of the intricate and delicate web of life that sustains our planet, and it is up to us to protect and cherish every thread.
— The writer is a climate expert and outdoor enthusiast
