EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Each week a different image of our fascinating environment is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional ecologist.

19-25 December 2022

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Vigilant Dragon

Gilbert's Dragon (Lophognathus gilberti), Family Agamidae
Jabiru Lake, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

Credit & Copyright: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot

Explanation:  On the watch! is this member of a set of lizards of Australia known as dragons.  

This is the Gilbert's dragon, shown here on a posture of vigilance, on the watch for predators (or possibly for mates).  

At various times, this lizard species apparently has been named with something like five different genera.



A behavioral study of this species (Thompson and Thompson 2001) suggested that they use three different stationary postures:  a defensive stance against competitors of their own kind, a vigilant stance on watch for potential predators or trouble, and an aggressive stance against all comers.  

So ... head's up!


 

Information:
    Thompson, G.G. and S.A. Thompson.  2001.  Behaviour and spatial ecology of Gilbert’s dragon Lophognathus gilberti (Agamidae: Reptilia).  Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 84:153-158.

  

Next week's picture:  Happy Holidays!

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