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CHANGEABLE LIZARD – MALE DISPLAYS

on 4th October 2014

“In mid-September 2014, I was visibly distracted by the advertisement displays of a few mature male Changeable Lizards (Calotes versicolor, Agamidae) at a public park. After spending sufficient time soaking up the morning sun, they would put on their brightest colours, lower their gular flaps and start bobbing their heads up and down.

“Such displays may be performed at ground level (above)…

“…on a branch (above)…

“…on a tree with head facing up (above)…

“…or on a tree with head facing out (above).

“A summary video of these macho males may be previewed here:

“Occasionally, the male might also show off his might by doing a couple of push-ups while perched on the tree. No doubt, these flamboyant performances serve to intimidate rival males, as well as impress any receptive females within viewing range.”

Dr Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
27th September 2014

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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