Distribution, habits, habitats and feeding behaviour of common rock lizard, Agama tuberculata Gray (Reptilia: Agamidae) in Kullu valley, western Himalayas

The common rock lizard, Agama tuberculata Gray, was observed in different localities of Kullu valley (western Himalayas) varying in altitudes from 1000 to 3000 meters above sea level. The lizard was found throughout the valley in holes of rocks, crevices between rocks, gaps between stone blocks in buildings, rock-wall fencing on the sides of fields and roads. The shrubs and rocks on the sides of the river Beas were most preferred sites of the lizards while cultivated fields and towns were less inhabited. About 200 to 300 lizards per square km were observed which may even go up on bright sunny days. In addition to insects, the lizards fed on new tender leaves of pumpkin, squash, bottle gourd, brinjal, tomato, Zinnia, Dahlia and some forest plants in nurseries. It hibernates from end October to beginning of March. Some lizards do not hibernate as they may be seen on a good sunny day in winter. Perhaps, 2 tb 3 meters annual snow fall and the minimum temperature dipping to -lO°C in some places contribute to its longer and continuous hibernation period.