Whilst
birdwatching in the Taif area recently I came across many Anderson’s Rock
Agamas. This 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. It is found to around 2,000 metres above sea level. It is common
in Saudi Arabia where it is a rock dwelling lizard mainly present in
mountainous areas. Populations can be found on vertical rocks, rock steps and
amongst boulders where they appear to prefer large boulders in the vicinity of
water in precipitous wadis surrounded by dense vegetation. They do not however
require water, obtaining moisture from their insect prey.
