Everything you need to know about this high-altitude lizards
Where does the Theobald’s toad-headed agama live?
In the cold deserts of Ladakh, Theobald’s toad-headed agama is found on open, dry ground with loose soil, gravel and sparse vegetation, at 2,700 to 4,200 m. It is found across India, Nepal and China.
How does it survive the extreme cold and thin air?
It basks on rocks in the sun to warm up before becoming active, burrows quickly into loose soil to escape predators and harsh weather, and gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
How does it defend itself?
Its sandy brown, grey or olive colouring blends into the rocks and sand. If a predator gets close, it lifts its upper body high and opens its mouth wide to scare it off.
What does it eat, and is it under threat?
It eats ants, beetles, flies and other small invertebrates. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern, but climate change and growing human disturbance of fragile mountain habitats are threats.
About the Authors
Yashaswi Rao
is a wildlife biologist passionate about addressing contemporary conservation issues through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. He is an alum of the MSc Wildlife Program at the National Centre for Biological Sciences.
