STEPPE AGAMA
Agama sanguinolenta
DESCRIPTION
Steppe Agama (Agama sanguinolenta) is commonly known as the Red Agama or Common Agama. This lizard is characterized by its robust body, long tail, and distinctive coloration, which can vary from brown to bright red, especially in males during the breeding season. They are often found basking on rocks or in open areas, displaying territorial behavior and engaging in social interactions with other agamas.
FUN FACTS
- Steppe Agamas are known for their impressive color changes, especially during mating season when males display vibrant hues to attract females
- They also have a unique social structure, where males will often engage in head-bobbing displays to establish dominance and attract mates
QUICK INFO
Lifespan5-10 years in the wild, up to 15 in captivity
Average Weight50-150 g
Average Length20-30 cm
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social Structuresolitary, but can be seen in small groups during basking or mating season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Steppe Agamas inhabit dry, open areas such as grasslands, savannas, and rocky outcrops. They prefer habitats with plenty of sunlight for basking and places to hide from predators.
- Biomes
- Grassland, Savanna
- Native Range
- The native range of the Steppe Agama includes parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
- Continent
- Europe, Asia
- Countries
- Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia
- Diet
- Steppe Agamas primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates, but they may also consume plant material. Their diet is diverse, allowing them to adapt to various environments.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- insects
- Social Structure
- solitary, but can be seen in small groups during basking or mating season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-5
- Territorial
- 1
VU
LC
50-150 g
Weight
20-30 cm
Length
- Coloration
- varies from brown to bright red, especially in males
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are typically more colorful and larger than females
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years in the wild, up to 15 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 5-10
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Steppe Agamas is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urbanization. Additionally, they may face predation from birds of prey and other larger predators.
- Predators
- birds of prey, snakes, larger lizards
- Defense Mechanisms
- Steppe Agamas can quickly flee to nearby rocks or burrows to escape predators, and they may also display aggressive postures to deter threats.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon