Reptile
Steppe Agama
Trapelus sanguinolentusAlso known as Aral Steppe Agama
Steppe agamas are nimble desert lizards famed for the striking cobalt-blue coloration males display on their throat and flanks during the spring breeding season. During hot daylight hours, they frequently scale low shrubs or rocks to regulate body temperature and scan for prey. When threatened, they bolt into abandoned rodent burrows or deep rock crevices with remarkable speed.
ReptileDesertTerritorial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAnts, Beetles, Grasshoppers
Predators
- Kestrels
- Desert snakes
- Corsac foxes
ThreatsOvergrazing, agricultural development, and local habitat loss
HabitatsSandy and clay deserts, arid steppes, and rocky foothills
Life span5–8 years
Classification
- FamilyAgamidae
- SpeciesTrapelus sanguinolentus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a sharp pinch if cornered; observe safely without capturing.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look on elevated shrubs or fence posts during clear, warm mornings.
- Approach: Move slowly without casting sudden shadows that trigger flight into burrows.
Co-occurring Agama (c) Antoshin Konstantin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Predator Marius Burger / CC0 · cc0
Genus Relative (c) Mohammad Amin Ghaffari, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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