It’s easy to overlook some of the smaller creatures of the bush when the allure of lions, leopards, and elephants captures most of our attention. I’ll be the first to admit that these larger animals provide breathtaking viewing and carry an undeniable glamour. But now and then, the bush surprises you with an experience just as captivating. This particular sighting was one of the most action-packed and memorable encounters I’ve had in the bush!
A female Southern Tree Agama ascending a knobthorn tree
The Encounter
It all began on a humid summer afternoon, the air alive with the hum of insects and the scent of rain-soaked earth. My guests and I were enjoying a display of birds feasting on winged alates – the reproductive termites – in the sky when two Southern Tree Agamas suddenly darted into view on the road right in front of us. Their dramatic chase quickly caught our attention. After noting that both were males, it became clear that we were witnessing a territorial dispute over a nearby female. Male agamas have a much richer electric blue head than the females.
The electric blue colours of a male Southern Tree Agama stand out in contrast to the greyish-brown bark of a leadwood tree.
For 20 minutes, we had front-row seats to a spectacle of colour, aggression, and determination. The two males, their heads ablaze in brilliant blue breeding colours, squared off in an intense showdown. They lunged and grappled with surprising ferocity before pausing to engage in a peculiar ritual – head bobs resembling push-ups. My guests and I couldn’t help but laugh at their determination as they performed set after set, vying for dominance.
A male Southern Tree Agama pursuing a female
The Victor
Eventually, one male emerged victorious, chasing his rival into the undergrowth. Wasting no time he turned his attention to the onlooking female, adding a few extra push-ups to his courtship routine. His efforts were met with a brief interaction that seemed far less enjoyable for her, as she snapped at him a few times before scurrying off.
The spectacle had us all captivated, and by the time we reached our sundowner spot, the agamas were the talk of the afternoon. Reviewing the photos I’d taken, I was struck by the brilliance of their breeding colours. These lizards, no more than 20 cm long, risk it all during this season. Their vivid blue heads, meant to attract mates, also make them easy targets for predators of which there are plenty! Yet they sacrifice camouflage for reproductive strategy, fully committed to passing on their genes.
Southern Tree Agama lizards mating. If you look closely you will notice that the male is biting the female.
Breeding Strategy
Southern Tree Agamas may not be the usual stars of the safari, but their story is no less fascinating. Each summer, as the rains transform the landscape, these little lizards spring to life. Their territorial battles and colourful displays showcase the incredible diversity of the bush. The timing of their courtship is no accident; an abundance of insects ensures food for both adults and hatchlings, while moist soil provides the ideal conditions for females to dig nests for their eggs.
This female would go on to lay between 5 to 14 eggs in this soil, hopefully, all of which would get a chance at hatching in the coming months. Despite their small size and exposed lifestyle, Southern Tree Agamas can regularly reach ages 25 to 28 years, even with all the predators in their environment. A feat in itself!
The Magic of the Bush
The next time you’re on safari, take a moment to look beyond the big game. You might just find yourself captivated by the drama unfolding at your feet – proof once again that the magic of the bush exists in every shape and size.
Thanks for sharing those unique images and story of the agama adventurous moves! They are very striking lizards, I hope they will all go on surviving in large numbers in their native soils, as, unfortunately, collectionists of such animals are far from a rarity…
Amazing how well camouflaged the female agama is. And even more fantastic the bright colors of the males. They are really beautiful.
It’s so nice to read a blog about these smaller animals because they are really as fascinating as the big ones and are often ignored.
What a fun sighting! I’ve enjoyed seeing these lizards but seeing them in action would be special!
Nature is spectacular when we stop to notice. Thanks Nic, for the pictures.
Hi Nic, they have a beautiful colour blue on display the males. We have them here on the reserve and watch them constantly here around our house. We have even seen smaller ones in the trees. But they won’t keep still so that you can take photos of them. I have witnessed two males fighting. Have not yet seen them mating, will look out for this.
What a fantastic, informative blog today about these colorful little Agamas. How fortunate you all were to observe the territorial dispute between the males and the eventual mating ritual with the female who was nearby. What made this blog exceptionally interesting were your photos that documented the encounter. You’re correct that looking for the little creatures can bring great rewards so look down as well as up.
How fun to witness! That male is certainly striking. I’d look twice if I were a female agama. 😉