Reptile
Southern Tree Agama
Acanthocercus atricollisAlso known as Black-necked Agama, Tree Agama, Blue-headed Tree Agama
Southern tree agamas spend their days clinging vertically to the trunks of large trees, relying on cryptic mottled brown scales to blend effortlessly into bark. Dominant males display striking cobalt-blue to turquoise heads during the breeding season, which they show off through rhythmic head-bobbing and push-up displays to assert territory. When threatened, these quick lizards rapidly scamper around to the far side of a trunk, keeping the tree between themselves and potential predators.
ArborealDiurnalColor-changing
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAnts, Beetles, Termites
Predators
- Birds of Prey
- Snakes
- Domestic Cats
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, domestic cats, and vehicle traffic
HabitatsSavanna, open woodlands, and suburban gardens
Life span5–10 years
Classification
- FamilyAgamidae
- SpeciesAcanthocercus atricollis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a sharp nip if cornered or handled; observe safely from a short distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look for them on vertical tree trunks and lower branches of acacia or mopane trees.
- Approach: Move smoothly and slowly to avoid scaring them behind the trunk.
- Behavior: Observe dominant males during warm weather to watch bright blue territorial displays.
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Related Family Member (c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo · cc-by-saRelated Family Member
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.