19-4-2015 JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - EGYPTIAN ROCK AGAMA (Laudakia vulgaris)

Laudakia vulgaris, also known as Egyptian rock agama, is a species of agamid lizard. It is found in Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Syria, southern Lebanon, and northern Saudi Arabia.

Rock agamas are diurnal creatures and remain active throughout the day except for the hottest hour when even shady spots can reach 38°C (100°F). Days are spent hunting for food and basking in the sun. Males are territorial and must fight other males to claim their space. Agamas live in social groups including a lead male, about half a dozen females, and subordinate males. Subordinate males can only gain their own group if they eliminate the existing lead male (the "cock") or establish a colony outside all other cocks' territory. The center of a cock's territory is usually marked by the presence of a physical object, such as a tree or boulder, on which the lizards congregate. In urban areas, fights between males are more common because space is at a higher premium.