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Commonly known as the Oriental Garden Lizard, or Changeable Crested Lizard,
it is a widespread species native to south and southeast Asia. It was
introduced to Singapore from Malaysia and Thailand in the 1980s. In
Singapore, it appears to have out-competed the native Green Crested Lizard.
It belongs to the Agamidae family and is noted for its ability to change
color, particularly during the breeding season, when males turn bright
red or orange on the head and throat. Primarily insectivorous, it eats
insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and ants; as well as small
vertebrates, including rodents and other lizards. The Changeable lizard
is relatively common and is found in a wide range of habitats. They are
found in gardens, forests, and urban areas, among undergrowth, in open
habitats as well as highly urban areas. Males become highly territorial
during breeding season. They discourage intruding males by brightening
their red heads and doing "push-ups". Each tries to attract a female by
inflating his throat and drawing attention to his colored head. About
10—20 eggs are laid, buried in moist soil. The eggs are long,
spindle-shaped and covered with a leathery skin. They hatch in about 6–7
weeks. They appear to adapt well to humans and are thus not endangered.
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