1979 LESOTHO

WWF COMMEMORATIVE STAMP

Honouredby this WWF FDC, Agama atra is portrayed on both the stamp and in the original cover design. The stamp was issued by the African mation of Lesotho, where the cover was postmarked woth the first day of issue cancellation.

 Agama atra is one of about 50 lizards in the Agamid family generally referred to simply as agamas. The most common of all lizards in West Africa, agamas have successfully adapted to the growth of civilisation. They are found  in small villages and urban communities, seemingly oblivious of people and automobile traffic. Africans are tolerant of these interesting creatures, some of which are as much as a foot in length, perhaps because insects are a staple part of the lizard's diet.

 When they first encountered agamas, scientists found them difficult to classify, for not only are males considerably larger than females but also radically change their colours. Agamas are territorial creatures, and males, which assemble a harem, vigorously defend their territories against intrusion. These dominant males become brightly coloured, whereas subordinate males are a dull brown. If a male is defeated in the defence if his territory, his colour quickly fades. At nightfall even dominant males lose their colour and become dull brown. Omly close observation over long periods enabled scientists to catalogue these lizards in separate species.

 Agama atra's common names - South African rock, or mountain, agama - derive from its mountainous natural habitat and tendency to sun itself on exposed rocks. Like other members  of its species, ot is an extremely active reptile and can lear up to three feet in a single bound. When it runs, it frequently raises up on its hind legs, scarcely touching the ground with ots forelegs. The female buries her eggs in a hole up to six inches deep and then abandons them to be incubated by the sun. When the young emerge, they are fully independent.