From the moment I learned that agamas, specifically the blue-headed tree agama (Acanthocercus Atricollis) were in my area, I wanted desperately to see one. What an amazing little reptile, especially if one is lucky enough to see a male species during mating season. That’s when it typically takes on the brilliant colors (although it is also reported they get colorful when feeding and when very hot).
Unfortunately, I’m still waiting and hoping. The top picture is compliments of Kelsey G., a fellow PCV who lives at the far north part of Limpopo province. (Check out Kelsey’s blog at http://www.kelsewhere.wordpress.com for another first-hand account of life-in-South Africa-as-a-PCV.) Pretty sure I recall that she saw this fellow in her village, and possibly in her yard. How fortunate.
I, on the other hand, did manage to find the remains of a small agama (bottom picture). I found the little skeleton in the field just behind the primary school. One student who happened to be passing by said he sees a lot of these around the village. Really??
By the way, mating season is March to May. That means I still have a chance to see one in full color before I leave. I may have to spend a bit more time outside.
Susan, the mummy is not an Agama, but rather a Chameleon- which is even cooler! That is a real chameleon (unlike the Anolis that live around your house in Georgia that also change color and are also sometimes called “chameleons”). The zygodatcylus feet and prehensile tail are a dead give away. I have been in their rang a few times, but never seen one. You have a new mission: Find a chameleon!
Yep, Kelsey and I discussed this earlier today and decided that my little dead fellow was, indeed, most likely a chameleon. At this point I’ll be happy with seeing anything different and colorful, but an agama AND a chameleon would be awesome.