Habitat:
rocky areas, savannas, open forests

Activity period :
Active during the day when temperatures are favorable, often seen basking in the sun.

Identification and description:
The Painted Agama, Agama picticauda, is a colorful lizard native to West Africa. It is known for its vividly patterned tail and bright colors, ranging from brown to red, with hints of blue and green. This lizard is often found in rocky areas and savannas, basking in the sun. It is diurnal and primarily feeds on insects. Males are generally more colorful than females, especially during the breeding season. Although relatively tolerant of human presence, it prefers to keep its distance. Its ability to change color depending on its mood or environment is fascinating and makes it popular among reptile enthusiasts.

Recommended lens:
Macro – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the Painted Agama, choose early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft. Use a macro lens to capture the details of its scales and vibrant colors. Approach slowly to avoid startling it, maintaining a safe distance of about 3 m. A tripod can be helpful to stabilize your camera and achieve sharp images. Be patient and observe its behavior to anticipate its movements.