Whilst birding in the Tanoumah area in June
2015 I saw many Anderson's Rock Agama Acanthocercus adramitanus most of
which were sitting on top of boulders and rocks showing off their incredible
blue colouration. They allow close approach and are very photogenic with the
below photos taken in the Tanoumah Cliff area just to the north of the city.
The species is endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, where it is found in west and
south Arabia, from Taif (Saudi Arabia) in the north to Dhofar (Oman) in the
east. Its range includes Oman, Yemen, and south western Saudi Arabia and is the
most common species of Agama in Yemen. It is also common in Saudi Arabia where
it occurs on rocks in mountainous areas and is found to around 2,000 metres
above sea level. Populations can be found on vertical rocks, rock steps and
amongst boulders often in the vicinity of water. They can occur in precipitous
wadis surrounded by dense vegetation, with the animals usually seen on the top
of boulders. They do not however require water, obtaining moisture from their
insect prey.
